Mervyn M. Dymally, who served in Congress, both houses of the state Legislature and as Lieutenant Governor of California, died peacefully in his sleep last night, according to seveal news sources. He was 86.
Those who worked with him immediately took to Facebook and Twitter to remember someone who was a trail blazer (he was the state’s first African-American lieutenant governor) and a caring individual. Former California Speaker of the House and California Forward leadership council member Bob Hertzberg remembered one of his “most important mentors” with this Facebook post: “He was gracious, loved learning, and made so many important contributions to the human condition.”
Kamala Harris, California Attorney General, told this to the Los Angeles Times about the Trini-born politician: “Rep. Dymally was a true role model for generations of Californians, not least because of his barrier-breaking legacy as one of the first persons of color to serve at the state and federal levels of our great nation.”
Others posted to the Twitter hashtag #MervynDymally in rememberance, including Assemblymember Isadore Hall, III, who offered this in a released statement:
“For decades, Mervyn Dymally served California with an unwavering passion and commitment. Merv’s legacy helped open the doors of opportunity for his and future generations and his spirit will live on in the lives of the many leaders he inspired. Our state and country are a better place because of his lifetime of work. I am honored to have called him my friend and mentor. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.”
Mr. Dymally was clearly an inspiration to many and we would be remiss if we did not take a moment to offer our condolences to his family and remember the legacy he left behind in the Golden State.
