The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING THE SERVICE OF WILLIE MIMS
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HON. MARK DeSAULNIER
of california
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, October 25, 2022
Mr. DeSAULNIER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the service of Willie Mims.
Throughout his life, Willie has shown his commitment to educating, serving, and empowering residents of East County. He was raised in what is now Bay Point, California and graduated from Pacifica High School in 1963. It was around this time that Willie began engaging in local politics, advocating for the Rumsford Fair Housing Act which aimed to combat racial discrimination in housing. Willie also worked as a stevedore at the Concord Naval Weapons Station from 1965 to 1970. He went on to obtain his Associate Arts Degree from Diablo Valley College and his Bachelor of Arts and M.A. in English & Creative Writing from San Francisco State University. Willie obtained his teaching credentials in 1978 and went on to have a long career in teaching with the Vallejo City Unified School District. Willie worked as a teacher at John Finney High School, formerly known as Peoples High School, for over 25 years. After retiring in 2009, Willie continued to advocate on behalf of Contra Costa students and families, still regularly attending school board meetings.
Willie has worked tirelessly to support families and promote equity within the East Bay. He is a former mentor of S.I.M.B.A. (Safe in My Brother's Arms), a youth program for boys 8 to 16, former board member of the East County Boy's and Girl's Club, and served as a volunteer historian for the Parents Connected Organization. Additionally, he is an original member of Pittsburg's Black Political Association and part of Executive Committee of the East County Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). He was also instrumental in the creation of the Antioch School District's African American Male 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 efforts to promote racial justice and equity. Willie's community and the greater Bay Area have significantly benefited thanks to Willie's dedication and hard work.
Willie is a true leader in our community and we are grateful for the positive impact that his work has had across the county. Please join me in recognizing Willie for his many years of devoted service.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 168(1), Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 168(2)
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