[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 98 (Tuesday, June 11, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E608]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF WILLIE MIMS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MARK DeSAULNIER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 11, 2024

  Mr. DeSAULNIER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today along with my colleague, 
Representative John Garamendi, to recognize the life and service of 
Willie Mims.
  Throughout his life, Willie demonstrated his passion for his 
community, working tirelessly to empower and serve East County 
residents. He grew up in what is now Bay Point, California and 
graduated from Pacific High School in 1963. Willie first became 
interested in politics in 1964, advocating for the Rumsford Fair 
Housing Act which aimed to combat racial discrimination in housing. 
Willie was committed to educating and uplifting our county's youth and 
advancing equity throughout Contra Costa. He earned his Associate Arts 
Degree from Diablo Valley College and his Bachelor of Arts and M.A. in 
English & Creative Writing from San Francisco State University. Willie 
obtained his teaching credentials in 1978 and went on to have a long 
career in teaching with the Vallejo City Unified School District. 
Willie worked as a teacher at John Finney High School, formerly known 
as Peoples High School, for over 25 years. After retiring in 2009, 
Willie continued to attend school board meetings to advocate on behalf 
of Contra Costa parents and students.
  Additionally, Willie was a former mentor of Safe in My Brother's Arms 
(S.I.M.B.A.), a youth program for boys 8-16; former board member of the 
East County Boy's and Girl's Club; an original member of Pittsburg's 
Black Political Association; and was part of the Executive Committee of 
the East County Branch of the National Association for the Advancement 
of Colored People (NAACP), serving as its Education Chair. He was also 
instrumental in the creation of the Antioch School District's African 
American Male Initiative, which sought to address racial disparities 
between Black students and their peers. In addition, Willie also 
volunteered with Greater Faith Food Pantry, helping to feed underserved 
Pittsburg residents, and served as a volunteer historian for the 
Parents Connected Organization. Willie was recognized for his efforts 
to promote racial justice and equity, receiving the Dr. Martin Luther 
King Freedom Fighter Award in 2008, being named Contra Costa County's 
2024 Humanitarian of the Year, and being given the key to the city of 
Antioch in February 2024. Willie was a devoted civil rights activist 
and community leader who always spoke truth to power.
  Sadly, Willie passed away on May 22, 2024. He is survived by his 
children, Dana and Marcus (Cassandra) Mims, his sisters Hilda Murdoch, 
Nancy Mims-Burt, Ruth Mims-Jemerson, and Melodye Montgomery, his 
brother-in-law Larry Harold, six grandchildren, and other family 
members. Willie will be remembered for his indelible impact on our 
community and his steadfast dedication to promoting justice and 
equality. Please join me and Representative Garamendi in recognizing 
Willie for his many years of devoted service.

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