[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 45 (Wednesday, March 10, 2021)]
[House]
[Page H1193]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      REMEMBERING DR. WILLIE BLAIR

  (Mr. VARGAS asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. VARGAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with my colleague, 
Congresswoman Sara Jacobs, to honor San Diego leader Dr. Willie Blair.
  As a San Diego community leader, Dr. Blair left a legacy for those 
demanding social justice and equity. He served his country as a Vietnam 
combat veteran; a former congressional staffer; and locally as a leader 
of Black American Political Association of California-San Diego 
chapter, or BAPAC.
  From 2008 to 2017, Dr. Blair served as board chairman for BAPAC, an 
organization that strives to ensure the Black community in San Diego 
County remains a relevant economic, social force in southern 
California.
  In 2017, he was elected as BAPAC's president, where he continued his 
work in civil and human rights and used his stature to promote quality 
leadership in the community.
  Dr. Blair is survived by his daughter, U.S. Air Force officer Deborah 
Smith; his siblings Janet, Trece, and Roger; and several nieces.
  We are very lucky to have a leader like Dr. Blair, who paved the way 
for future changemakers. All of us who knew Dr. Blair loved him and 
respected him dearly. We are saddened by his passing.

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