Bill Lee: “I rise this evening to really celebrate the life and legacy of my mentor, my former boss, and my dear friend…”

“I rise this evening to really celebrate the life and legacy of my mentor, my former boss, and my dear friend, Congressman Ronald V. Dellums. I had the privilege to serve as an intern in Ron's Washington office during the Watergate hearings of 1974 and as a senior member of his staff for 11 years. First, my deepest condolences to Ron's beloved family, friends, and our community, who he loved so deeply, as we continue to come to grips, quite frankly, with the grief in the passing of this tremendous voice, yet we honor and celebrate Ron's magnificent legacy. Mr. Speaker, let me thank Congressman Jamie Raskin for being a part of this Special Order tonight and for co-leading it. Congressman Raskin's father, Marcus Raskin, was a close and cherished friend of Ron's. They deeply loved and respected each other. Let me also thank all of my colleagues in the Congressional Progressive Caucus and the Congressional Black Caucus for holding this Special Order tonight to remember a truly historic figure, the late, great Congressman Ron Dellums. Congressman Dellums was a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus and the Congressional Progressive Caucus, and I know this celebration of his life would mean so much to him. Ron will be remembered not only for his many accomplishments, but for his integrity and his brilliance. He was a courageous statesman, a warrior for world peace, a soldier for social justice, and a son of west Oakland.…”