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Report Title: CBOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY POSTHUMOUS RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF MR. WILLIE J. MIMS
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Adopt ceremonial resolution recognizing the contributions of Mr. Willie J. Mims.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.
BACKGROUND:
See resolution.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
None.
The Board of Supervisors of Contra Costa County, California
body
IN THE MATTER OF
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
POSTHUMOUS RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF
MR. WILLIE J. MIMS
WHEREAS, Willie J. Mims was born to Edward and Lillie Mims on November 30, 1944, in Donaldsonville, Louisiana, and has been a resident of California since he was one year old; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Mims grew up in West Pittsburg, now known as Bay Point, California, where he attended and graduated from Pacifica High School in 1963. He married his wife, Darlene, in July of 1967; and
WHEREAS, from 1971 to 1987, Mr. Mims worked as a Food Service Worker with the Veteran's Administration Hospital in Martinez, California, while pursuing higher education. He graduated from Diablo Valley College in 1972 with an Associate Arts Degree, transferred to San Francisco State University, and earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1974 and a Master of Arts Degree in English & Creative Writing in 1978. He also attained a California Community College Instructor Credential and a California Secondary Education Teaching Credential in English in 1978; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Mims was employed for over 25 years with the Vallejo City Unified School District, where he served as Teacher/Teacher-in-Charge at John Finney High School, formerly Peoples High School, retiring from teaching and the work-world in 2009; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Mims was a former mentor of S.I.M.B.A (Safe In My Brother's Arms), a program focused on supporting boys aged 8 to 16 in building self-esteem and undergoing "manhood" training. He was a former Board member of the East County Boys and Girls Club and served as an "on call" Educational Advocate for the Youth Intervention Network (YIN) Program; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Mims has been called everything from justice warrior to tireless advocate, inspiring mentor, and civil rights champion. Dressed in his colorful African kufi hat and dashiki top, with his carved traditional walking stick, he was a striking figure known for his strong voice and impactful presence; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Mims was a lifelong educator and longtime East County NAACP education chair who advocated for students and families throughout the NAACP district, including Solano County, where he worked as an English teacher. He was instrumental in addressing larger discrimination issues, such as the unequal rate of suspensions and expulsions of Black students and students with disabilities, helping to broker a groundbreaking agreement with the Antioch Unified School District and the local NAACP in 2015; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Mims, a legend in the East Contra Costa County community and beyond, continued his advocacy up until his final days, losing his battle with cancer on May 22, 2024, at the age of 79; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Mims' enduring legacy will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to justice, his role in bringing communities together, and ensuring that policymakers were aware of critical issues affecting the community;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Supervisors of Contra Costa County, do hereby posthumously recognize and honor the life and contributions of Mr. Willie J. Mims, acknowledging his lifelong dedication to education, civil rights, and community advocacy. His memory will continue to inspire and impact the lives of many within our community and beyond.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Supervisors extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Willie J. Mims. His tireless efforts and passion for justice have left an indelible mark on our community, and he will be greatly missed.
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