[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 151 (Tuesday, September 16, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E861]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





          HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF HERMAN BLACKMON, Sr.

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN GARAMENDI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 16, 2025

  Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy 
of Herman Blackmon, Sr., an extraordinary man whose service, intellect, 
and compassion enriched the Bay Area and beyond.
  Born in Houston, Texas, Herman spent his early years there before 
serving three years in the United States Air Force. Following his 
military service, he made the Bay Area his home, earning a Bachelor's 
degree in Economics and a Master's in Business Administration from the 
University of California at Berkeley.
  In the late 1990's, Herman served as both council member and mayor of 
Hercules, California. His leadership was defined by tireless dedication 
to his community, championing Capital Improvement Programs and 
advocating for equitable educational opportunities for economically 
disadvantaged students. As managing partner of his family-owned 
business, Amanco, Inc., he was instrumental in the rebuilding of 
several West Contra Costa Unified School District campuses, including 
Coronado, Riverside, Sheldon Elementary, and Pinole Middle School.
  Herman's professional career also included 13 years with Pacific 
Bell. Yet, beyond his many accomplishments, he was a man of diverse 
passions--an avid reader, skilled mechanic, and enthusiastic player of 
dominoes and pinochle. Above all, he cherished time spent with his 
grandchildren; Jhana, Mark, Aleah, Charles-Justin, Langston, Levi, and 
Winter.
  Herman is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 54 years, Peggy, 
and is survived by his sons Herman, Jr., and Marcus, his seven 
grandchildren, and a wide circle of friends and neighbors whose lives 
he touched through his good deeds.
  Herman Blackmon, Sr. leaves behind a profound legacy of public 
service, civic leadership, and devotion to family. His impact will be 
felt for generations, I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to 
Mr. Blackmon's loved ones. I know they and the people of Contra Costa 
County will join me in celebrating his life and legacy.

                          ____________________