The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING DEZIE WOODS-JONES
______
HON. JIM COSTA
of california
in the house of representatives
Friday, October 21, 2022
Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the service of Ms. Dezie Woods-Jones on her 2022, ``Spirit of Faithful Leadership'' Fannie Lou Hamer Award. She is a Trail Blazer in the Central Valley and works selflessly to help others.
Dezie was born in Ruston, Louisiana and later moved to California. She was raised in Fresno and Oakland. At California State University, Hayward, Dezie earned her Bachelor of Arts degree. In her early years, Dezie was involved in groups such as the Black Conference Planning Committee and National Association for the Advancement of Colored People to name a few. In 1968, Dezie worked at the Peralta Community College district until 2002. She held many positions and retired as Assistant Chancellor of External Affairs.
In 1991, Dezie served on the Oakland City Council, then as City Vice Mayor, and later became the first woman to run for Mayor for Oakland. Her influence in the community did not go unnoticed, Many well-known Civil Rights leaders acknowledged her leadership abilities. She has worked along side people such as Dr. Martin Luther King, Julian Bond, United States Representatives such as Maxine Waters, Dianne Watson, and Barbara Lee.
Former Governor Jerry Brown appointed Dezie to the California Commission on Crime Control & Violence Prevention, and Former Governor Gray Davis appointed her as a member of the California Postsecondary Education. She was a member of many organizations such as the Oakland Education Cabinet, and Executive Committee of East Bay Regional Board of Directors for the American Heart Association. Dezie's voice was heard on Bay Area radio and television, podcasts, South Korea, South America, West Africa, and Mexico.
One of her accomplishments in life has been her stance on advocacy in the community. Dezie is the founding member of Black Women Organized for Political Action (BWOPA). For over 50 years, she has held her position as president in the state of California. This is the oldest organization in California and her leadership helps many. Dezie is also the president and CEO of DWJ & Associates consulting firm. They specialize in public affairs, leadership training, civic engagement, event planning, and governmental relations. Her firm has helped many organizations such as the National Black Caucus Foundation, Ramsay Group, Fresno Unified School District, and more.
The love of her life, Reverend Carl Jones who pastors the St. Paul Pixley AME Church has been by her side. They raised a beautiful son, Robert, who recently went home to Heaven, and have two grandchildren that they love and adore. The contributions and leadership Dezie carries has reached many people all throughout her life.
Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Dezie Woods-Jones. The passion and love she has to stand up for others is evident from student sit-ins to national marches for the struggle for social justice and roles in leadership. May her joy to help others continue to impact more lives, and her story be a role model to many.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 166(1), Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 166(2)
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