The National Urban League mourns the passing and celebrates the life of leader, statesman and champion for social justice - Representative Bill Gray.
A man of principle, moral courage and abiding faith, Rep. Gray led a life of service and leaves a legacy of good works. He will be remembered as a tireless fighter for the citizens of Philadelphia and as a political pioneer who broke ground as a leader in the House of Representatives -- the first African-American to serve as Majority Whip, Democratic caucus leader and Chair of the Budget Committee.
Whether through his instrumental role in ending U.S. investment in the apartheid regime in South Africa, serving as President Bill Clinton’s Special Envoy to broker a peaceful transition of power in Haiti in 1994, or leading the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) to unprecedented fundraising success as head of the organization, Rep. Gray was guided by his unwavering commitment to human rights and the creation of opportunity for those most in need.
On a personal note, I was honored and blessed to have volunteered for Rep. Gray’s first successful bid for Congress while I was a student at the University of Pennsylvania. The charisma and vision that inspired me to join his campaign were undiminished when I saw him very recently in his offices.
His brand of principled leadership and commitment to the common-good is all-too-rare in Washington. I am proud to have called Bill Gray a friend and colleague. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and all who knew him during this time. He will be greatly missed.
