Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


Northern California's First Black Congressman Dies at 82

by Associated Press

   SACRAMENTO --

   Ron Dellums, a fiery anti-war activist who championed social justice as
   Northern California's first black congressman, has died at age 82.

   Longtime adviser Dan Lindheim says Dellums died early Monday at his
   home in Washington, D.C., of cancer. Confirmation of Dellums' death
   came from his wife, Cynthia Dellums.

   Ron Dellums served in Congress from 1971 to 1998 and later became mayor
   of Oakland, California.

   Dellums was at the center of liberal movements in the 1970s and 1980s.
   He led the drive to sanction South Africa during apartheid, challenged
   U.S. entry into wars and increased military spending, and helped start
   the Congressional Black Caucus.

   The Rev. Jesse Jackson calls Dellums one of the most significant social
   justice figures of the last half century.