[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 136 (Tuesday, October 16, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1700]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      THE DEATH OF MERVYN DYMALLY

                                  _____
                                 

                         HON. LAURA RICHARDSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 16, 2012

  Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, it is my regrettable duty to report the 
death of a persnal hero and a great American, former Congressman Mervyn 
Dymally. Mr. Dymally died Sunday, October 7, 2012. He was 86. I was 
deeply saddened to learn about the passing of my dear friend Mervyn, 
known to his friends as Merv. I will remember him most for his 
tremendous work helping African Americans in California succeed in 
politics at all levels of government.
  Merv served as a California assemblyman, state senator, and 
lieutenant governor and as a Member of Congress for over a decade. 
However, I will remember him for the role he played in providing 
leadership, political representation, and for his efforts to increase 
accessibility to health care in African American communities. He also 
was a champion for education, social justice, economic opportunity, and 
an enlightened U.S. policy toward Africa and the Caribbean. He was 
instrumental in establishing the nursing school at Charles Drew 
University, which is named after him.
  In 2006, I had the great honor of serving with Merv in the California 
State Assembly. He was a trailblazer who opened doors and mentored the 
next generation of political leaders, myself included. Merv had the 
foresight to see the possibility of increasing African American 
representation in elective offices all around the country. Merv 
legitimized our efforts and succeeded by establishing the largest 
Legislative Black Caucus in California history, coined the ``Divine 
Nine.''
  Just five short months into my first term as a state assemblywoman, 
Merv was one of the mentors who encouraged me to run for the seat 
vacated by the untimely passing of the late Congresswoman Juanita 
Millender McDonald. Merv and I often shared many conversations about 
how to best serve the people of the 37th Congressional District.
  Merv was by my side again this year, working to educate the community 
on the importance of voting and preserving African American 
representation. Merv has been a steady guide throughout my political 
career and for that I am blessed for having known him and learned from 
him.
  Merv was a great leader, mentor and friend and he will be sorely 
missed. I extend my prayers to his family, offer my willingness to 
assist, and say thank you for sharing life's most precious treasures: 
time, life and love of a political father to us all.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask for a moment of silence in memory of Mervyn 
Dymally.

                          ____________________