Dreamers & Seekers of Community Justice
Activists, Artists, Collaborators, Conveners, Entrepreneurs, Former Government Officials, Lawyers, Organizers, Policy Wonks, Planners, Researchers, Strategists, Teachers.
Ron Dellums
CO-FOUNDER & HUMAN RIGHTS ADVOCATE | FORMER CONGRESSMAN & OAKLAND MAYOR | CO-FOUNDER OF THE CONGRESSIONAL BLACK CAUCUS
Just Cities’ inspiration comes from the legacy of our co-founder, Congressman Ron Dellums.
Ron Dellums has embodied JUSTICE FOR ALL throughout his entire life. He was the first African American elected to represent Northern California in Congress, one of the first Democratic Socialists in Congress, the first African American and anti-war activist to serve as Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, co-founder of the federal HIV/AIDS program for African countries (PEPFAR), co-founder of the Congressional Black Caucus, co-founder of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, one of the first honorary male members of the Congressional Women's Caucus, leader of the South African anti-apartheid divestment movement, leader in the Japanese American internment congressional reparations movement, and leader in climate change and environmental movement.
In 1967, Ron's life was forever shaped by Dr. King’s speech at UC Berkeley. For over 50 years, Ron implemented Dr. King’s teaching that the true path of justice is when we work for all peoples and on all issues that define our collective humanity. That is why he took up the mantle early in the peace, anti- apartheid, women, HIV/AIDS, immigrant, environmental, and other movements. He saw the connections between the injustices and the commonality of struggles. Ron also served as Mayor of Oakland during the Great Recession, defining Oakland as a model city of inclusion, diversity, and justice.
Ron Dellums has inspired thousands of people across generations, race, and borders to share a vision of building an inclusive peace and justice movement.
Ron received a Masters in Social Work from UC Berkeley, BA from San Francisco State, and also attended what’s now Laney Community College.
Photography by Thomas Hawk
Staff
Board of Directors
