[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 86 (Wednesday, May 22, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E651-E653]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





         TRIBUTES TO FORMER REP. RON DELLUMS BY HIS COLLEAGUES

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. STENY H. HOYER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 22, 2019

  Mr. HOYER. Madam Speaker, on Friday, May 10, 2019, the family, 
friends, and former colleagues of the late Rep. Ron Dellums of 
California paid tribute to him at a memorial service here in 
Washington. Several of us who served with him in this House delivered 
eulogies praising Rep. Dellums for his decency, his strength of 
character, his leadership, his dedication to the men and women who 
serve in our military, and the respect he earned from his fellow 
legislators on both sides of the aisle.
  I want to take this opportunity to include in the Record the remarks 
I offered along with the kind words spoken by Rep. Barbara Lee, 
Chairwoman Maxine Waters, and Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton. Majority Whip 
James Clyburn also spoke, although unfortunately there is no transcript 
of his remarks. I can attest, however, to his moving words.
  Below I share with the rest of our colleagues my remarks in praise of 
our friend, the late Rep. Dellums, joined by the statements of others 
made in tribute to him:
       Mr. Hoyer: Rev. Lamar and Father Conroy, thank you for your 
     words of peace and reflection. Cynthia, Erik, Piper, Brandon, 
     and Pam, thank you for allowing us to join you in mourning 
     Ron and participating in this service today. To his 
     grandchildren and great-grandchildren, let me say ``thank 
     you'' for the love you gave him, because we all saw the joy 
     it brought him.
       I had the great honor to serve in congress with Ron Dellums 
     for seventeen years. He was a friend, a teacher, an example, 
     a hero. He was always a gentleman. He was kind, gracious, 
     strong, and historic. Respected and admired by his colleagues 
     on both sides of the aisle.
       As Chairman of the Armed Services Committee, Ron Dellums 
     was a man who knew the purpose of arms. He understood that 
     instruments of war could be guarantors of peace. And he knew 
     that the greatest force was that of the moral being, the 
     spirit of good will and powerful words used to speak truth.
       When he saw the injustice of apartheid in South Africa, Ron 
     fought with every fiber to arm Congress with truth and make 
     our country an instrument of moral clarity.
       When he and other African-American Members saw an 
     opportunity to raise issues that were being ignored in 
     Washington and lift up voices that weren't being heard, Ron 
     helped create the Congressional Black Caucus that now serves 
     as the conscience of the Congress.
       As city councilman, he drew on his own family's experiences 
     to see the clarity of his cause championing workers and their 
     families, the downtrodden, the forgotten, and the 
     dispossessed.
       The people of Oakland elected Ron eleven times to congress 
     and then made him their mayor--because they saw in him the 
     kind of moral leader unafraid to stand up for principles and 
     determined to do right by those who entrusted him with high 
     office. They knew he would always speak up for them and speak 
     out for the causes he knew to be just.
       Ron Dellums understood that the power of words speaking 
     truth--on the Floor of the House or in Committee or in the 
     City Council chamber or from the mayor's desk--could be 
     mightier than any armament. He was a man who chose his words 
     carefully and wielded them forcefully.
       President John F. Kennedy said of Winston Churchill that he 
     ``marshalled the English language and sent it into battle.'' 
     So too did Ron. And we will remember him always for speaking 
     truth, speaking justice, speaking goodness, and speaking for 
     those who needed a voice.
       He was regal in bearing. He was real in his relationships--
     warm and empathetic to all.
       He was courageous in battle. Principled in his policies. 
     Moral in vision. Worthy of leading. Courteous in demeanor. 
     Clear in his goals. Loyal to his country, colleagues, and 
     conscience. Deserving of our love and respect. A Teddy-
     Roosevelt ``doer of great deeds.'' And, most assuredly, a man 
     to be admired, emulated, followed, and--as we do today, 
     remembered.
       Ron was our friend and our exemplar. We were honored and 
     blessed to be a part of his life.
       Ron: you were always faithful, Marine. You were ``Semper 
     Fi.''
       Ms. Lee of California: To our officiant, Rev. William H. 
     Lamar IV, Father Conroy, Reverend Skinner, and to all members 
     of the clergy.
       First, let me offer my deepest condolences to Cynthia, 
     Brandy, Rachel, and Ron's entire family and extended family 
     and Ron's staff who have and continue to experience a deep 
     sense of grief, yet hope that through the celebration of 
     Ron's life, we all can join together and keep his legacy 
     alive through our work and love for each other.
       I would also like to take a moment to acknowledge my 
     colleagues; members here; Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, 
     Majority Whip James Clyburn, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, 
     Congressman Hank Johnson, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes 
     Norton, Congressman Gregory Meeks, and Congresswoman Shelia 
     Jackson Lee. Members, please stand.
       Our former congressional colleagues.
       And Ron's friends and constituents, and all program 
     participants.
       I thank you for being here today as we celebrate the life 
     of a man who was a statesman, a gentleman, and an authentic 
     representative of the people. Also, Ron was my mentor and my 
     friend.
       I looked up to him, like we all did, as a warrior, and a 
     fighter.
       Ron never gave up his principles and integrity, even though 
     he was brilliant, a deep thinker, a philosopher, and a man 
     who--as he would say--had a memory like an elephant. He was a 
     psychiatric social worker who understood human behavior in 
     its totality and a proud former marine who demonstrated that 
     peace is patriotic.
       He was a comedian too.
       He was so funny--some of you may remember his Richard Pryor 
     skit--Sandre, and I were with Ron when he played the role of 
     Richard Pryor at Lou Gossett's house.
       What an evening--Ron became Richard Pryor, and Richard 
     Pryor became Ron.
       Ron never let the weight of the world destroy his sense of 
     humor and fun-loving side with his friends and family.
       I first met Ron as a college student in the early 1970s. I 
     was going to school, raising my two little boys while on 
     public assistance and developing my political consciousness.
       I wanted to be an Intern in Ron's Washington office once I 
     was in graduate school at UC Berkeley. I went to Ron's 
     District Director, our beloved, the late Don Hopkins who Ron 
     relied on and loved deeply, with this request.
       Don placed me in Ron's DC Office during the Watergate 
     hearings in the summer of 1974. I learned a lot that summer, 
     saw how Ron, as a progressive African American man from 
     Berkeley and Oakland, navigated his work as a legislator. 
     Even though--as he always reminded us--they painted him as a 
     commie pinko from Berkeley and he was on Spiro Agnew's hate 
     list--Ron wore this as a badge of honor. He knew he came to 
     Congress as an Anti-war, peace candidate, who knew the 
     priorities of our country were wrong and destroying people's 
     lives here at home & abroad.
       In 1975, I came to Washington, D.C. to work on Ron's staff. 
     In those days, it was rare for a woman--let alone a black 
     woman--to run a congressional office. But Ron was proud to 
     call himself a ``feminist'' and lived his life by the same 
     progressive values he espoused on the House floor.
       As an ardent anti-war activist, he also sought a seat on 
     the Armed Services Committee to advocate for alternatives to 
     military intervention.
       Years later, Ron went on to make history as the first 
     African American to chair the Armed Services Committee--and 
     he used that position to advocate for more just and humane 
     military policies. I travelled with Ron, along with his staff 
     throughout the world. Heads of State wanted his advice and 
     knew he was a global leader.
       I remember him telling his staff ``Let your conscience be 
     your guide. If you are right--just to stand on that street 
     corner alone because sooner or later everyone must walk right 
     to you.'' I'd like to ask Ron's staff--Congressional and 
     Mayoral--to stand. Ron loved his staff. They are all true 
     public servants who gave their all to our community, the 
     country, and the world.
       Ron demonstrated this repeatedly--he introduced the South 
     African sanctions legislation 13 times.
       It was the first override of a presidential policy veto in 
     the 20th century and finally put the United States on the 
     right side of history.
       I will always remember Ron calling me after I was elected 
     to Congress to come to his beautiful home for dinner. Yes--he 
     also was a great cook.
       Well, we sat at his kitchen table and asked me to think 
     about introducing an AIDS martial plan for Africa given the 
     devastating HIV/AIDS pandemic in Africa. His idea led to my 
     legislation establishing the global fund and PEPFAR which has 
     saved millions of lives. He worked so hard to help me get 
     these bills passed and the world owes him a debt of 
     gratitude.
       Ron was my boss, mentor, and yet, like the brother I never 
     had. He gave me personal advice and support as a single Mom 
     raising two boys.

[[Page E652]]

       When my son Craig graduated from Brent Elementary School, 
     in the sixth grade here in Washington, DC., he asked Ron to 
     be the graduation speaker. Ron left Capitol Hill, spoke at 
     the graduation, took pictures and spent time with the kids 
     afterward. Mind you, they were young children. They didn't 
     have any political clout and couldn't vote.
       Ron did this out of the goodness of his heart because he 
     loved children and cared about their future.
       My sons Craig and Tony were childhood friends with Ron's 
     kids Brandy, Eric, & Piper, and to this day they remain close 
     friends.
       Also, as a single woman in Washington, DC, Ron counseled me 
     on who--and who not to date.
       He saved me from a lot of trouble and heartbreaks.
       We can't forget that Ron was nominated for President in the 
     mid-70's, in Cincinnati, Ohio, but he declined the nomination 
     for the Office of the President at the National Black 
     Political Convention. Then there was an effort to draft him 
     to run for president, in New York,--I believe--in 1980.
       Of course, he was conflicted--so was the staff. We just 
     knew he could win--but Ron decided he wanted to continue 
     serving his constituents because he wanted to help them 
     achieve their dreams and aspirations.
       And, as the father of Coalition politics, which began in 
     the East Bay, his leadership was needed to continue to build 
     coalitions for peace and justice around the country.
       When Ron called me and told me of his illness, I was 
     devastated. In his generous manner, he said he didn't want to 
     worry me and was gentle and cautious in the way he told me--
     preparing me for that sad day. But he gave me time to be with 
     him each week during his last month. Thank you, Cynthia.
       I spent my birthday last year--the evening of July 16 after 
     a legislative session--with Ron and his family. He was in 
     rare form, telling stories, being the comedian that he was, 
     toasting our friendship and singing Happy Birthday to me. He 
     was frail, in pain, but demonstrated a sense of hope and 
     courage--even as he knew he would meet his maker soon.
       After my next visit, which would be the last, he talked 
     about family and friends--told me some of his secrets, and I 
     told him some of mine--encouraged me to keep fighting the 
     good fight and imparted more pearls of wisdom.
       As I was about to leave, I was reluctant to hug him, 
     knowing he was in pain. He reared up in the bed and called me 
     to him in his playful way and gave me a big hug with tears in 
     his eyes.
       As a brilliant, powerful, elected official, a fighter, and 
     a physical fitness champion, Ron was also kind, gentle, and a 
     humanitarian who lived his life with dignity and respect.
       He left this earth demonstrating that same sense of dignity 
     and courage.
       He did it his way.
       Ron passed me a blue baton when we announced in 1998 that I 
     would run for his seat upon his retirement.
       The baton, which I look at often, reminds me that all of us 
     must carry that baton that Ron gave us and run our mile in 
     this marathon for justice, for peace, and unity. So, when we 
     can pass our batons to the next generation, we know, as Ron 
     said frequently--we have secured their future. In honor of 
     the great legacy Ron has left, I'll be introducing the Ronald 
     V. Dellums Memorial Fellowship For Women Of Color In Science, 
     Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math, and National Security 
     Act. And we will get it passed.
       Finally, let me say during moments like this, as a person, 
     of faith, I go to the scriptures often for inspiration and 
     hope.
       2nd Timothy Chapter 4, verse 7 says: ``I have fought the 
     good fight, I have finished the race, and I have kept the 
     faith.''
       Ron, rest in peace, rest in power, know that we got your 
     back.
       Ms. Waters: By all standards, our brother, Ron Dellums, was 
     a truly exceptional human being who consistently gave of 
     himself to his loved ones, his community, his nation, and the 
     entire world.
       Reverend King wrote ``The ultimate measure of a man is not 
     where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but 
     where he stands in times of challenge and controversy. In 
     dangerous valleys and hazardous pathways, he will lift some 
     bruised and beaten brother to a higher and more noble life.''
       In both his public and personal capacities, Ron embodied 
     this standard of character, purpose, selflessness, and 
     service.
       As an elected official, Ron was a bold pioneer, a true 
     leader, and a stalwart advocate for peace in the U.S. and 
     globally. Fueled by his extraordinary acumen and legendary 
     eloquence, he built a stellar track record of standing up for 
     principle, righting the wrongs of inequality, and empowering 
     the powerless.
       Ron initiated his career in Congress as a crusader for 
     peace, taking on the establishment by opposing the Vietnam 
     War. He pressured Nixon to end the U.S. involvement, and 
     exposed war crimes in Vietnam, earning him a place on Nixon's 
     enemies list, of which he was proud to be a member.
       Ron was a pioneer in the campaign to end apartheid in South 
     Africa, proposing sanctions as far back as 1972. He was 
     fiercely dedicated to opening hearts and minds in Congress to 
     the plight of the oppressed South African majority. Together 
     we fought apartheid, with my bill divesting California's 
     pension fund investments, and Ron's bill divesting U.S. 
     companies' assets and applying sanctions against the 
     repressive regime, becoming law just days apart, in Ron's 
     case by overriding the president's veto.
       Ron called out racial discrimination in the military and 
     advanced diversity and inclusion through innovations that 
     opened doors of opportunity to people who had been excluded. 
     He championed the minority set-aside program for Defense 
     Department contracts, enabling businesses owned by African 
     Americans, Latinos, and other minorities to compete for a 
     share of the DoD's large procurement budget.
       Ron consistently advocated for peace, opposing expensive, 
     excessive weapons such as the B-2 stealth bomber, and the MX 
     and Pershing II missiles. He called for funds for those 
     weapons to be shifted to cities, communities, education, and 
     housing. He opposed military intervention in Grenada, Zaire, 
     Burundi, Sudan, Angola, Liberia, and elsewhere, and was an 
     outspoken critic of the Persian Gulf War.
       Ron's illustrious leadership was on display as chairman of 
     the Armed Services Committee. He maintained his commitment to 
     peaceful policy positions while allowing the committee to 
     work its will on the DoD's authorization and policies that he 
     opposed. Ron often voted against his committee's legislation.
       Ron's principled passion was epitomized by his speech from 
     the well of the House supporting the Civil Rights Act of 
     1990. In that August 2, 1990 speech, which is still 
     emblazoned on the minds of many, Ron implored his colleagues 
     to support the bill, declaring ``this is throw-down time. 
     This is the bottom line. This is integrity. There is no 
     substitute to freedom and human dignity . . . there is no 
     substitute for justice.''
       Ron's nature was just as resplendent outside the public 
     arena. To his friends and all who sought his counsel, he was 
     a trusted confidant, a source of strength, a bastion of 
     wisdom, and a compatriot in our shared goals and dreams. His 
     personal warmth, thoughtfulness, and empathy were as much a 
     part of his essence as passion for peace. When facing 
     conflict, he remained dignified. When confronting challenges, 
     he remained optimistic. When engaging opponents, he remained 
     congenial. Even his adversaries in Congress appreciated him 
     for being fair, responsive, thoughtful, and honorable.
       I am grateful that I had the chance to thank Ron for what 
     he accomplished, represented, and taught us. Shortly after he 
     left Congress, we celebrated him at the Black Women's Forum 
     in LA, not just because of what he did for his district and 
     for the people of mine, but for all 435 districts. We 
     enveloped him in so much appreciation and praise that day--
     every bit well-earned and well-deserved--that the eloquent 
     orator was rendered speechless, albeit only briefly.
       To me, Ron was far more than a colleague, compatriot, 
     teammate, confidante, counselor, and political soul mate, 
     although he was all that. To me, Ron was a true friend, a 
     dear and trusted friend, a brother, and I loved him very 
     much.
       Ron Dellums will always be remembered as the true article; 
     a man of conscience, dignity, and grace; a leader with the 
     rare blend of sincere humility and sublime intellect; the 
     peoples' patriot who waged peace at every opportunity; and a 
     man who is admired and loved by more people, in more comers 
     of the country and the world, than he could have imagined.
       Ms. Norton: We celebrate our colleague and friend Ronald 
     Dellums at a time of historic polarization in Congress. It is 
     a good time to remember the peace advocate who chaired the 
     Armed Services Committee with such equanimity that he won the 
     respect, even the friendship, of those who opposed every 
     cause, of the many into which Ron poured his considerable 
     talent.
       I first came to admire Ron even before being elected to 
     Congress from my work in the Free South Africa anti-apartheid 
     movement. For 14 years, Ron did not relent until he freed his 
     landmark bill for South Africa divestment, overcoming a 
     presidential veto.
       By the time I was elected to Congress, Ron had already been 
     chair of the District of Columbia Committee for more than a 
     decade. That committee is long gone, and nothing would have 
     pleased Chairman Dellums more than its demise. But when 
     freedom-loving Ron Dellums first came to Congress, he knew 
     that if there had to be such a Committee, he wanted a seat on 
     it. Just as Ron sought peace by serving on the Armed Service 
     Committee, he sought to free D.C. from Congressional control 
     by serving on the D.C. Committee.
       He joined the Committee during his very first term in 
     Congress. Upon becoming chair of the D.C. Committee, Ron 
     framed his service as ``an advocate, not an overseer of 
     District affairs.'' No sooner had Ron gotten to Congress in 
     1975, in his very 1st term, long before I even thought about 
     becoming a Member, he introduced the 1st D.C. statehood bill.
       Ron would relish our progress today as we close in on 
     enough votes for the D.C. statehood bill to pass in the House 
     this term. We expect a vote soon in the Oversight and 
     Government Reform Committee to send the bill to the House 
     Floor. When that committee vote occurs, we will not be able 
     to claim we are breaking new or historic ground. In 1987, 
     more than 30 years ago Chairman Ron Dellums proclaimed 
     ``There should be no colonies in a democracy'' and led the 
     District Committee in a vote for statehood for the District 
     of Columbia that passed in his Committee.

[[Page E653]]

       The American citizens who live in the nation's capital will 
     forever remember Ron Dellums, prescient warrior for equality 
     and freedom--and well ahead of his time--a leader for 
     statehood for the District of Columbia.

                          ____________________