[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 54 (Monday, April 11, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E386]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING MR. PERCY PINKNEY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BARBARA LEE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 11, 2016

  Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with my colleagues, Congresswoman 
Maxine Waters, and Congresswoman Karen Bass, to honor the extraordinary 
life of an outstanding public servant and advocate, Mr. Percy Pinkney. 
With his passing on Saturday, March 18th, we honor his long, 
extraordinary life of service and the experiences he shared.
  A native of McComb, Mississippi, Mr. Pinkney began his adult life as 
a member of the United States Army. He later received his Bachelor's 
degree at San Francisco State University, and went on to receive a 
Master's in Social Work from Lone Mountain College in San Francisco.
  Mr. Pinkney was an active part of California politics for over 30 
years, serving in prestigious positions with many influential leaders. 
During Governor Jerry Brown's first administration, Percy led his 
community relations department for seven years, beginning in 1975. In 
1992, he joined Senator Dianne Feinstein's staff as a field 
representative, overseeing issues affecting Los Angeles' Black 
community. He faithfully served the community until his retirement in 
2014.
  Mr. Pinkney founded the Black American Political Association of 
California (BAPAC) in 1979. The organization has since become one of 
the largest political grassroots organizations in the state, with 60 
chapters and more than 40,000 active members. Since its founding, BAPAC 
has continued its mission of developing, documenting, and identifying 
the resources necessary to achieve cultural, economic, and educational 
goals of underserved citizens in California. The organization has also 
played an effective role in increasing African Americans participation 
in the civic and political process.
  Overall, Mr. Pinkney's commitment to community building and 
advancement is unrivaled and BAPAC's leadership has helped countless 
constituents develop their educational and economic goals. His love for 
his community and his neighbors will be remembered for years to come, 
and his achievements in public service have given many Americans the 
hope and prosperity they deserve.
  Mr. Percy Pinkney is survived by his dutiful daughter, Delane Sims, 
his son in law, Jerry Sims, his brother, Salahudin Tulah, and many 
grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He will forever be remembered 
as a beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
  On a personal note, we remember the support, strategic advice, and 
friendship Percy gave and owe him a debt of gratitude for his selfless 
contributions to our success as elected officials.
  Today, California's 13th Congressional District salutes the life of 
an exemplary individual and devoted community member, Mr. Percy 
Pinkney. I join all of Mr. Pinkney's loved ones in celebrating his 
inspirational life and achievements, and offer my sincerest 
condolences. I am joined in these sentiments today by my colleagues, 
Maxine Waters, of California's 43rd Congressional District, and Karen 
Bass, of California's 37th Congressional District, who also knew Mr. 
Pinkney personally and valued his service.

                          ____________________