[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 55 (Tuesday, April 17, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E545]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          IN RECOGNITION OF THE LATE HONORABLE DONALD M. PAYNE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 17, 2012

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the late 
Honorable Donald M. Payne, so that we may commemorate his extraordinary 
life of dedication and commitment to service.
  Born in 1952 in Newark, New Jersey, he graduated from Seton Hall 
University and pursued post graduate studies at Springfield College. A 
former English and social studies teacher, he also coached football at 
Malcolm X Shabazz High School, which was then called South Side High 
School. He was Vice-President of Urban Data Systems Inc. as well as an 
executive at Prudential Financial. In 1970, he became the first 
African-American president of the National Council of YMCAs.
  Representative Payne entered public life in 1972 when he was elected 
to the Essex County Board of Chosen Freeholders. Ten years later he was 
elected to the Newark Municipal Council where he served three terms. In 
1988, Donald became the Representative of New Jersey's 10th 
Congressional District, and the first African-American to represent New 
Jersey in Congress. As Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, he was 
a relentless defender and supporter of education related issues. He was 
an inspiration and a friend.
  He was preceded in death by his wife, Hazel Johnson, and is succeeded 
by son Donald Jr., daughters Wanda and Nicole, four grandchildren and 
one great-grandchild.
  Mr. Speaker and Colleagues please join me in sending our condolences 
to the family and friends of Donald M. Payne who so faithfully cared 
for and served his community.

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