Representative Mervyn M. Dymally
With a sad heart, Avoice announces the passing of former Representative Mervyn Dymally (CA). Rep. Dymally served his constituents for 12 years and has left a legacy of service to the people of the United States and the African Diaspora.
As the first foreign-born person of African descent elected into state wide office, Rep. Dymally began his political career in 1962 in the California State Assembly. During his tenure at the state level, he made an impact by chairing the Senate Democratic Caucus, three full committees on social welfare, military and veteran’s affairs, elections and reapportionment, and the joint committee on legal equality for women. In 1981, he was elected to the United States House of Representative where he continued to be a champion of the people. He worked tirelessly to dispel disparities particularly among the African-American community and was an outspoken advocate on human rights, and economic development in Africa, the Middle East, and the Caribbean.
His congressional leadership roles included serving as chairman of the Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on International Operations, as a member of the District of Columbia and the Post Office and Civil Service committees, and as chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus (100th Congress). Rep. Dymally’s contribution and dedication to his people and country will always be remembered. Avoice celebrates his life, his legacy and we recognize the great impact his service has left in the world and our hearts.
Photo courtesy of the National Archives and Records Administration.