[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 72 (Thursday, May 2, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E532]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           TRIBUTE TO THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF LEONARD McNEIL

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MARK DeSAULNIER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 2, 2019

  Mr. DeSAULNIER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and 
service of Leonard McNeil, a long-time resident of West Contra Costa 
County.
  Leonard first discovered his passion for advocacy while attending 
California State University, Fresno and was a founding member of the 
campus's Black Student Union. A strong opponent of the Vietnam War, 
Leonard protested the draft by moving to Canada, where he helped create 
the Vancouver Black Action Group and demonstrated against the Vietnam 
War and British and Canadian imperialism.
  After returning to the United States in the 1970s, Leonard completed 
a vocational program at the University of California, Berkeley and was 
an ironworker for over 15 years. In that capacity, he worked within his 
union to fight the exploitation of immigrant workers and end 
discriminatory practices.
  Leonard then pursued a career in local politics and served on the San 
Pablo City Council. During his tenure, McNeil helped create affordable 
housing programs, pushed for free public internet access, created the 
San Pablo Economic Development Corporation, and supported programs that 
aimed to improve relations between the police department and the 
community.
  Leonard was also a professor of Political Science at Contra Costa 
College, a position he held for nearly 10 years. As a professor, he 
pushed students to think critically and engage in political 
discussions.
  Leonard will be sorely missed and his lasting impact will long be 
remembered in the East Bay community.

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