Mervyn Dymally Inducted into Lincoln University (Missouri) National Alumni Hall of Fame

July 14, 2008

Mervyn Dymally a Lincoln University Success - Lincoln University, the Historically Black College and University (HBCU) located in Jefferson City, Missouri has many Black graduates who have gone on to be extremely sucessful.  Recently, Lincoln recognized one of its famous graduates by inducting him into the National Alyumni Association Hall of Fame.  His name is Mervyn Dymally.

Dymally Inducted Into Lincoln University (MO) National Alumni Association Hall Of Fame 
 
 Assemblymember Mervyn M. Dymally, Chair of the Legislative Black Caucus was inducted into the Lincoln University (MO) National Alumni Association’s Hall of Fame.  The event took place on Saturday, July 21, 2007 in Chicago, Illinois at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place.  After immigrating to the United States in 1946 from Trinidad, at the age of 19, Dymally attended Lincoln University in Jefferson City and majored in journalism.

“Tuition was $50 and I thought, I couldn’t beat that,” commented Dymally.  “Without that acceptance from Lincoln, I don’t know what my life would have been like.”

After a cold winter in Missouri, Dymally decided to head for warmer weather and transferred to California State University, Los Angeles and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Education.  He has a Master’s degree in Government from the California State University, Sacramento and a Ph.D. in Human Behavior from the United States International University, San Diego.

A teacher before entering the political arena, Dymally’s career began with teaching handicapped children in the Los Angeles Unified School District. He was a lecturer at various universities, including posts at Central State University, Ohio and the Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science in Los Angeles.

While teaching he joined the Young Democrats and served as State Treasurer. In 1960 he was actively involved in the Democratic National Convention in Los Angeles. Later he was chosen Field Coordinator for the John F. Kennedy Campaign for President. Two years later he successfully ran for the State Assembly. In 1966, he became the first African American to serve in the State Senate and was soon elected as Chairman of the Senate Majority Caucus.

In 1974, he made history when he was elected the first of two African American Lieutenant Governors in the United States. Later, he was elected Congressman from South Los Angeles County, making him the first foreign-born Black to be elected as a Member of the US Congress. During this time he also served as Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus and Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa.

Dymally retired from Congress in 1992. During his retirement he traveled extensively including trips to Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean as a foreign affairs consultant. He currently serves as Honorary Consul to the Republic of Benin in West Africa and Chief Protocol Officer of the California Assembly.

In 2002, Dymally returned to where he began his political career in the State Assembly representing the 52nd district which includes: South Los Angeles, Watts, Compton, Paramount and North Long Beach.  He is Chair of both the Assembly Health Committee and the Legislative Black Caucus.

The Lincoln University (MO) National Alumni Association’s Hall of Fame was established to recognize alumni both living and deceased who have distinguished themselves by outstanding achievements in their chosen field of endeavor.  Individuals selected have distinguished themselves by their pioneering efforts, innovation and/or uniqueness.  They have been recognized in their local community, nationally and sometimes internationally for their work.

The Lincoln University Alumni Hall of Fame Room housed in Memorial Hall on the campus of Lincoln University is reserved for the distinct purpose of displaying the plaques honoring the inductees on the “Wall of Fame.” Artifacts and memorabilia belonging to honorees may also be exhibited in this room.

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