Recognizing the Service of Willie Mims

Floor Speech

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Mr. DeSAULNIER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the service of Willie Mims.

Mr. Speaker, throughout Mr. Mims' life he has shown his commitment to educating, serving, and empowering residents of the community that I have represented for some time now in Contra Costa County in the San Francisco Bay Area.

In 1963, Willie began engaging in local politics, advocating for the Rumford Fair Housing Act, which aimed to combat racial discrimination in housing in California. He went on to obtain his teaching credentials and had a long career in teaching with the Vallejo City Unified School District.

Willie is also an original member of Pittsburg's Black Political Association and part of the executive committee of the East Contra Costa County Branch of the NAACP. He was instrumental in the creation of the Antioch Unified School District's African American Male Achievement Initiative, which sought to address racial disparities in education. Willie received the Dr. Martin Luther King Freedom Fighter Award in 2008 in recognition of his many efforts to promote racial justice and equity.

Willie is a true leader and friend. We are grateful for the positive impact that his work has had across our community. Please join me in recognizing Willie for his many years of devoted service to his community.

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