[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 5 (Wednesday, January 10, 2024)]
[House]
[Page H20]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING JOSE DE SOSA

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Cardenas) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. CARDENAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a true champion for 
community empowerment and civil rights in the San Fernando Valley and 
beyond, the incomparable Jose De Sosa.
  Jose De Sosa dedicated over six decades of his life to tirelessly 
advocating for justice, equality, and the well-being of our community. 
His passing leaves a void that will be felt by all those lives he 
touched.
  Born in Panama City, Panama, Jose later migrated to New York City 
where he enlisted in the United States Air Force and served our country 
for over 10 years.
  That service was one of the many milestones he accomplished 
throughout his life.
  Jose met his beautiful wife, Juanita, in 1959. They got married and 
moved to Pacoima where they raised seven outstanding children.
  In his life's works, he demonstrated his commitment to justice and 
equity over the course of his 36 years working for Pacific Telephone 
Company which later became AT&T.
  In fact, he was a leader in pushing the Pacific Telephone Company to 
recruit from the Los Angeles Unified School District's Skills Center, 
improving economic opportunity for Black and Brown students and 
enabling hundreds of people to secure work and provide for their 
families in those good-paying jobs.
  But Jose's biggest impact on the San Fernando Valley was through his 
positions with the NAACP, where he served as president of the local 
chapter, and his various roles as a board member in regional and State-
level organizations.
  He was the first Afro-Latino to be elected president of a local and 
statewide NAACP, and he used his Black and Latino heritage to build 
working relationships between both communities and beyond.
  In challenging times during the 1980s, when Pacoima grappled with 
issues of police brutality from the Los Angeles Police Department, Jose 
De Sosa emerged as a fearless leader. His unwavering commitment to 
justice was instrumental in banning the use of the carotid choke hold 
by the LAPD, a pivotal step towards safeguarding the rights, safety, 
and dignity of all individuals.
  He worked with many of my colleagues, such as the legendary 
Congresswoman Maxine Waters and also Congresswoman Diane Watson to hold 
LAPD accountable.
  It is these examples of his incredible leadership that makes Jose De 
Sosa's impact felt both locally and nationally. This advocacy on behalf 
of the safety of his community even led to a landmark Supreme Court 
decision sharply limiting the use of battering rams by law enforcement.
  His dedication to protecting the civil rights of all people 
reverberated throughout our community and set a precedent for justice.
  Even in his later years, Mr. De Sosa continued to serve his community 
with passion and vigor. He remained accessible and responsive to our 
community, making phone calls and sending emails whenever his 
assistance was needed to help a good cause.
  These efforts included actively informing people about programs that 
save money through solar energy, demonstrating his commitment to both 
the environment and sustainability and economic empowerment for all 
communities.
  He also continued to serve on various boards, such as the Valley 
Interfaith Council, Alicia Broadous-Duncan Multipurpose Senior Center, 
Boys & Girls Club of San Fernando Valley, Greater San Fernando Valley 
Optimist Club and Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County.
  In fact, the Neighborhood Legal Services' community room in Pacoima 
is named in his honor.
  Mr. De Sosa's legacy is one of resilience, determination, 
selflessness, and service to all. His life's work has left an indelible 
mark on the landscape of civil rights and the community and advocacy 
overall. As we reflect on his contributions, let us remember Mr. De 
Sosa as an inspiration to us all--a true force for positive change.
  May his memory be a guiding light for future generations as we strive 
to continue the fight for justice and equality for all. Our thoughts 
and prayers go out to his family, friends, and all those who were 
fortunate enough to know this remarkable individual.
  I had the honor of recognizing Mr. De Sosa last year right here on 
the United States House of Representatives floor to commemorate Black 
History Month as one of our leaders in Pacoima and the San Fernando 
Valley.
  A few years later, we honored him in the community at the Boys & 
Girls Club of San Fernando Valley. We shared stories and laughed and 
even cried together.
  Mr. De Sosa was married to his wife and partner, Juanita, for 61 
years. She passed recently. They were world travelers, and they 
instilled that in their children and their descendants.
  He leaves grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-
grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, friends, and acquaintances. 
We all miss him. May his legacy endure and inspire us to build a more 
just and compassionate society for everyone.

                          ____________________