Ronald Dellums

Ronald Dellums was a distinguished American politician and activist who served as a U.S. Congressman for 27 years and later as the Mayor of Oakland. His career was marked by a commitment to civil rights, anti-war advocacy, and social justice. After becoming the first African American elected to Congress from Northern California in 1970, Ronald Dellums went on to serve a distinguished 27-year tenure in the U.S.

House of Representatives. Dellums’ impactful career began with service in the United States Marine Corps from 1954 to 1956, followed by comprehensive higher education, earning an A.A. degree from Oakland City College in 1958, a B.A. from San Francisco State University in 1960, and an M.S.W.

Following his impactful congressional career, Dellums continued his dedicated public service as the Mayor of Oakland, serving from 2007 to 2011. During his mayoral term, he championed initiatives focused on enhancing public safety, improving education, and positioning Oakland as a ‘Model City.’ He implemented programs to increase the police force, improve teacher retention and diversity, and successfully attracted crucial federal stimulus funding to the city, leaving a lasting legacy of progressive leadership and steadfast commitment to community advancement.