Leading U.S. Advocate for Africa, Congressman Donald M. Payne Dies At 77

Picture Courtesy AP
March 6, 2012

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Donald M. Payne (NJ-10) passed away at the Saint Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, New Jersey of complications from colon cancer. Payne announced last month that he was undergoing cancer treatment, but said he would continue to represent his district. New Jersey’s first black congressman had held his congressional seat since 1988 and was elected to a 12th term in 2010.

As the highest ranked Democrat on the House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, and Human Rights, Representative, Payne worked tirelessly to protect human rights and provide humanitarian aid to developing countries, particularly in Africa. He also served as a former Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus and most recent Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc.

U.S. President Barack Obama Tuesday expressed his condolences to Payne’s family at the end of a news briefing. He called Payne “a wonderful man” and a friend who “did great work, both domestically and internationally.”

Statement by the President on the Passing of Congressman Donald Payne

Michelle and I were saddened to hear about the passing of Congressman Donald Payne, Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation and former Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus. By any standard, Don lived a full and meaningful life. After serving as the first African American President of the National Council of YMCAs, and then several years in local government, Don went on to become the first African American Congressman to represent the state of New Jersey. In Washington, he made it his mission to fight for working families, increase the minimum wage, ensure worker safety, guarantee affordable health care and improve the educational system. He was a leader in US-Africa policy, making enormous contributions towards helping restore democracy and human rights across the continent. Don will be missed, and our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends during this difficult time.

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