Barbara Lee Statement on Passing of Donald Payne
Contact: Kristal DeKleer (202) 225-1882
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-Oakland) issued the following statement on the loss of Donald Payne:
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of my friend and colleague, Congressman Donald Payne, and my thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends, and to his constituents.
“Don was truly a world renowned leader. I had the privilege to serve under his brilliant leadership as the Senior Democratic member of the House International Relations Subcommittee on Africa. I also had the honor to work very closely with him in the legislative process addressing the global HIV/AIDS pandemic and addressing the genocide in Darfur both through our efforts to obtain an official declaration and through divestment legislation that was signed into law. His dedication to global health issues and Africa saved and improved the lives of many and inspired all of those around him. Today, Congress lost its best teacher on Africa.
“Don was also committed to the underserved in our society, and I benefited greatly from his tremendous wisdom, insight and counsel. As chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Don was a leader on education issues and fiercely dedicated to building stronger communities for our children. I will deeply miss Don, and believe that his legacy will inspire many to speak for the voiceless and stand up for justice across the globe.”
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