[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 125 (Thursday, July 30, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E753]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





           HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MR. JOE L. FISHER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN GARAMENDI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 30, 2026

  Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy 
of Mr. Joe L. Fisher. The Richmond community mourns the loss of an 
extraordinary leader. Joe was a dedicated community advocate, respected 
businessman, trusted mentor, and man of faith whose decades of civic 
engagement and spiritual guidance left an enduring mark on the City of 
Richmond and the community.
  Born in Jackson, Mississippi, in 1943, Joe moved to Richmond with his 
parents, Jesse and Idell Scott Fisher, in 1944. He attended Richmond 
High School, Contra Costa College, and Moler Barber College before 
purchasing his first home in Richmond's Coronado neighborhood at age 
26.
  Joe was a successful entrepreneur whose businesses became fixtures in 
the Richmond community. He owned three barber shops in Richmond, 
including the well-known Umoja Barber Shop. He also co-owned Les and 
Joe's Clothing Store, and managed Smith's Clothing in Oakland.
  As Richmond evolved, so did Joe's vision for serving the community. 
He transitioned into real estate and founded Fisher Realtors. Through 
his work, he helped generations of Richmond residents achieve the dream 
of homeownership.
  Joe was deeply committed to Richmond's civic life, particularly 
through the Coronado Neighborhood Council, where he served for more 
than twenty years. His leadership helped make Coronado's National Night 
Out celebrations among the most successful in the city. Joe was the 
first person to help my office establish faith-based meetings in the 
Richmond area. Through his tireless leadership and service, he 
supported my team in every way possible, enabling us to better serve 
the entire Richmond community.
  Beyond his civic and business accomplishments, Joe was a devoted man 
of faith and extraordinary spiritual leader. Joe faithfully served the 
congregation at Southside Church of Christ in Richmond, California, 
where he was baptized in 1989. The Bay North Church of Christ 
congregations in Fairfield and Sacramento also recognized him as a 
faithful servant, an exceptional shepherd, and a gifted mentor who 
guided young business owners and welcomed them into his new convert's 
class. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his entire church family.
  Throughout his life, Joe earned the admiration of fellow residents, 
business leaders, and elected officials because of his unwavering 
commitment to Richmond. His legacy is reflected not only in the 
businesses he built but in the lives he touched, the families he 
helped, and the sense of pride he instilled throughout the community.
  On behalf of California's 8th Congressional District, I extend my 
deepest condolences to his beloved wife, Maxine Fisher, who was an 
unwavering partner in his ministry and service; to his children and 
grandchildren; and to his extended family and countless friends. Joe 
Fisher's legacy of faith, mentorship, generosity, and community service 
will live on across the Richmond community and beyond.

                          ____________________