The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING DR. WILLIE BLAIR'S LIFE AND LEGACY OF SERVICE
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HON. JUAN VARGAS
of california
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, March 10, 2021
Mr. VARGAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today, along with Congresswoman Sara Jacobs, to honor Dr. Willie Blair. A Vietnam Combat veteran, former congressional staffer, and leader of the Black American Political Association of California-San Diego Chapter (BAPAC).
Dr. Blair was born in 1951 in Knoxville, Tennessee and was one of eight children.
He received a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Maryville College in 1973, attended Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island and was commissioned as a U.S. Naval Officer.
Dr. Blair served as a Naval Officer for eight years, including a tour of duty in Vietnam as a small boat leader, where he participated in the evacuation of Saigon and Cambodia in May of 1975.
After being honorably discharged in 1981, Dr. Blair moved to San Diego and earned a Master of Business Administration degree and a subsequent Doctorate in Humanities and Arts from Point Loma Nazarene University.
Dr. Blair was a special assistant to former Congressman Bob Filner, focusing on veterans' issues, including veteran homelessness, retiring in 2013.
As a San Diego community leader, Dr. Blair left a legacy of social justice and equity.
From 2008 to 2017, he served as board chairman for BAPAC, an organization that strives to ensure the Black community in San Diego County remains a relevant economic, social, and political force in Southern California.
Dr. Blair strongly believed in the mission of BAPAC: to work for the maximum effective representations of Black people in the political, economic, and educational systems of San Diego County and find solutions to issues related to jobs, education, and healthcare.
In 2017, he was elected as BAPAC's President where he continued his work in civil and human rights and used his stature to promote quality leadership in the community.
Dr. Blair devoted his life to bridging the achievement gap for ethnic and minority groups and elevate the positive educational outcomes of disenfranchised communities.
Dr. Blair devoted his life to mentoring leaders in the black community ensuring status within the Democratic party and in other institutions and he was passionate about reaching common ground among Latinos, Asians, and other ethnic and minority groups.
Dr. Blair is survived by his daughter, U.S. Airforce Officer Deborah Smith, siblings Janet, Trece and Roger, and several nieces and nephews.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 45
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