I am disheartened at the news of the passing of Hon. Mervyn Dymally this weekend in Los Angeles at the age of 86.
Merv was a pioneer whose life has been dedicated to excellence in public service, truly ahead of his time. I first met him in 1978 as a high-school senior when he was lieuenant governor and witnessed his impact on the lives of countless individuals.
Honorable Mervyn Dymally represented my area as the first foreign-born black California Assemblymember in 1962. He then went on to become the first black state senator and lieutenant governor in California. Later in his illustrious career, he went on and represented Compton and surrounding areas in the US House of Representatives from 1981 to 1993.
He was a trailblazer known as the “godfather” of African-American politics in Southern California.
Dymally opened the doors for African-Americans in California politics and strongly believed in education and helping those that came along after him. Although no one can replace Mr. Dymally, together we can all strive to continue his model of leadership and dedication to the public.
I would like to extend by deepest prayers and thoughts to the Dymally family.
Steven Neal
Long Beach Councilmember
9th District
