[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 166 (Friday, October 21, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1072]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING DEZIE WOODS-JONES

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 21, 2022

  Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the service of Ms. 
Dezie Woods-Jones on her 2022, ``Spirit of Faithful Leadership'' Fannie 
Lou Hamer Award. She is a Trail Blazer in the Central Valley and works 
selflessly to help others.
  Dezie was born in Ruston, Louisiana and later moved to California. 
She was raised in Fresno and Oakland. At California State University, 
Hayward, Dezie earned her Bachelor of Arts degree. In her early years, 
Dezie was involved in groups such as the Black Conference Planning 
Committee and National Association for the Advancement of Colored 
People to name a few. In 1968, Dezie worked at the Peralta Community 
College district until 2002. She held many positions and retired as 
Assistant Chancellor of External Affairs.
  In 1991, Dezie served on the Oakland City Council, then as City Vice 
Mayor, and later became the first woman to run for Mayor for Oakland. 
Her influence in the community did not go unnoticed, Many well-known 
Civil Rights leaders acknowledged her leadership abilities. She has 
worked along side people such as Dr. Martin Luther King, Julian Bond, 
United States Representatives such as Maxine Waters, Dianne Watson, and 
Barbara Lee.
  Former Governor Jerry Brown appointed Dezie to the California 
Commission on Crime Control & Violence Prevention, and Former Governor 
Gray Davis appointed her as a member of the California Postsecondary 
Education. She was a member of many organizations such as the Oakland 
Education Cabinet, and Executive Committee of East Bay Regional Board 
of Directors for the American Heart Association. Dezie's voice was 
heard on Bay Area radio and television, podcasts, South Korea, South 
America, West Africa, and Mexico.
  One of her accomplishments in life has been her stance on advocacy in 
the community. Dezie is the founding member of Black Women Organized 
for Political Action (BWOPA). For over 50 years, she has held her 
position as president in the state of California. This is the oldest 
organization in California and her leadership helps many. Dezie is also 
the president and CEO of DWJ & Associates consulting firm. They 
specialize in public affairs, leadership training, civic engagement, 
event planning, and governmental relations. Her firm has helped many 
organizations such as the National Black Caucus Foundation, Ramsay 
Group, Fresno Unified School District, and more.
  The love of her life, Reverend Carl Jones who pastors the St. Paul 
Pixley AME Church has been by her side. They raised a beautiful son, 
Robert, who recently went home to Heaven, and have two grandchildren 
that they love and adore. The contributions and leadership Dezie 
carries has reached many people all throughout her life.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Dezie 
Woods-Jones. The passion and love she has to stand up for others is 
evident from student sit-ins to national marches for the struggle for 
social justice and roles in leadership. May her joy to help others 
continue to impact more lives, and her story be a role model to many.

                          ____________________