Mervyn Dymally. photo courtesy of JACL
The Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) mourned the passing of former California lawmaker Rep. Mervyn Dymally, a staunch supporter of Japanese American redress, the organization said in a statement released on Oct. 9. He was 86.
Dymally, who passed away in Los Angeles on Oct. 7, was known for being a strong supporter of redress for Japanese Americans when the movement for reparations was underway in the 1980s, the JACL noted.
His political career began in the California Assembly in 1962 and he was the first African American to be elected a senator in the Golden State. He was the first and only African American to hold the position of lieutenant governor.
He was later elected to the U.S. Congress representing the city of Gardena, which was heavily populated by Japanese Americans, the JACL said.
“It was during this time that Dymally made a visit to the Manzanar concentration camp, learned more about the Redress Movement, and became an important advocate,†the JACL stated. “He held numerous meetings with Japanese Americans and testified at congressional hearings in support of the Redress Bill. He secured the support of the Congressional Black Caucus for redress legislation and devoted time to lobbying for its passage.â€
JACL Executive Director Priscilla Ouchida said, “We are saddened by the passing of Rep. Mervyn Dymally, whose life exemplified breaking down racial barriers in society, which barred full participation by all Americans, and who was an advocate and partner of the Japanese American community at a time when a respected voice like his was needed to advance the cause of justice.â€
JACL National President David Lin added, “Our community has lost a friend and our nation has lost a human being whose life was dedicated to public service and the principles of civil rights and equality. The JACL expresses its deepest condolences to his family.â€
Rep. Dymally is survived by his wife, Alice; son, Mark; and daughter, Lynn.
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