[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 94 (Tuesday, June 3, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E508-E509]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




TRIBUTE TO THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF JAMES E. ``RED WARRIOR'' RAWLINGS, R. 
                                PH., MPH

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 3, 2025

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with the heaviest of hearts that I 
rise today to pay tribute to the life and legacy of an outstanding 
community leader and my dear friend, James E. ``Red Warrior'' Rawlings, 
who we lost this week. Over the course of his life, Jim was many things 
to many people, but at his core, he was a loving family man, a fearless 
advocate, and a dedicated member of the New Haven community. There are 
many who talk about visionary leadership and commitment to service. Jim 
Rawlings was the embodiment of these ideals, dedicating a lifetime to 
public health and the betterment of our community.
  Jim came to New Haven via Providence, Rhode Island where he grew up 
After attending Yale University where he earned his Master's in Public 
Health, Jim began what would be a 35-year distinguished career at Yale 
New Haven Hospital. He was dedicated to improving the quality of care 
people received, particularly those in marginalized communities. Jim 
brought an innovative and creative mind to the hospital. He pioneered 
Connecticut's first hospital based adult AIDS and Sickle Cell programs, 
receiving national recognition, as well as overseeing the 
administrative operations of critical departments like the emergency 
department, laboratory medicine, and medical/surgical units. When Jim 
retired, he did so as the hospital's first African American Assistant 
Vice President and Executive Director of Community Health.
  Jim was not only a leader in public health, but in the community as 
well. Jim served four terms as President of the Greater New Haven 
branch of the NAACP during which time he modernized the organization 
and elevated its community impact. His steadfast leadership allowed the 
organization to grow its potential and its members to make meaningful 
and transformative contributions to every facet of the New Haven 
community. Jim was also a respected member of the Connecticut State 
NAACP, where he served as Health Chair for more than two decades, and 
at the national level where he served as a Trustee. In all of these 
roles, Jim gave voice to the multitude of challenges faced by the 
African American community while also providing a roadmap to overcome 
those obstacles. He was never one to identify a problem without also 
pointing to a potential resolution. Though Jim stepped down from his 
role as President of the Greater New Haven NAACP in 2014, he remained 
engaged and involved with the organization until his last day. Jim was 
also well-known for his dedication to conserving and celebrating Native 
American culture. As an elder of the Seaconke Wampanoag Tribe, based in 
Massachusetts, he dedicated countless hours to ensure that the 
traditions and teachings of his tribe would be preserved for new 
generations to learn, under stand, and appreciate.
  Though Jim was passionate about many things throughout his life, 
Sickle Cell Disease may have been his greatest. After his retirement 
from Yale New Haven Hospital, he served as President and CEO of the 
Sickle

[[Page E509]]

Cell Disease Association of America, CT Chapter (SCDAA.CT). It was here 
that he founded Michelle's House, the first Sickle Cell Community 
Center in the Northeast, and championed academic support for students 
living with Sickle Cell Disease. Jim spearheaded outreach programs for 
individuals unaware of their SCD and Sickle Cell Trait status. He also 
advocated for and successfully achieved a partnership with CVS Health 
to advance equity in healthcare for the Sickle Cell community. It was, 
in fact, only a few months ago that I met with Jim to discuss his 
latest project, a Sickle Cell van which would provide a mobile 
operation to bring testing, counseling, and other services to those who 
would not otherwise have access to such care. Jim believed this effort 
could significantly enhance early detection and outreach to those 
affected by SCD, enabling individuals with the Sickle Cell trait to 
make more informed decisions and ultimately preventing more children 
from being born with Sickle Cell Disease. It is my hope that we will 
one day see that vision come to fruition.
  In his obituary, Jim was described as ``a man of unwavering purpose, 
humility, and compassion.'' I cannot think of a more fitting 
illustration of his character--of his soul. With his trademark Stetson 
and wonderful bolo ties, James E. ``Red Warrior'' Rawlings was a force 
of nature who left an indelible mark on our community and the many 
lives he touched. He will be missed by all those fortunate enough to 
have known him and his loss will be deeply felt by all those who called 
him friend as I was honored to do. My deepest condolences to his wife, 
Jennifer; sons Devol ``Skip'' Joyner, Andre Joyner, James ``Jimmy'' 
Rawlings and Jason Rawlings, and daughters Julie Rawlings-Dias and 
Jennifer Rawlings, as well as his eight beloved grandchildren Andre, 
Isaiah, Brooke, Miles, Maya, Dyami, Jaylyn and Bentley.

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