Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi


Statement In Honor of Doris Thomas

July 25, 2002


Mr. Speaker I rise to pay final tribute to my friend Doris Thomas, who died peacefully on July 8 in San Francisco. Doris was a long-time community organizer and political activist who worked tirelessly to empower local communities through political involvement. Doris was a leader in our City, and I join so many other San Franciscans in mourning her passing.

Born in Laurel, Mississippi, to the Reverend Simon S. Thomas and Rosa Henry, Doris was one of five children. After earning a B.A. from Hampton University and a law degree from Howard University in Washington D.C., Doris moved to San Francisco. From 1963 until 1983 she served as District Director for the great Congressman Philip Burton. She was a patient, savvy problem solver who specialized in immigration issues. After Congressman Burton's death she worked for his wife, Congresswoman Sala Burton. Doris also worked for Mayors Frank Jordan and Willie Brown as a program manager for the Mayor's Office of Community Development.

Doris was a tireless champion of the African-American Community and a member of the Black Leadership Forum. Her public service transcended any particular organization, however, and she was active in the Chinese-American Democratic Club, the Democratic Women's Political Forum, and other groups. She contributed her political expertise to many campaigns, including those of Philip Burton, Sala Burton, Frank Jordan, Jesse Jackson, and my own.

After retiring from Congressional work in 1987, Doris turned her focus to government and political consulting, specializing in immigration law. In addition to helping countless individuals earn citizenship, she dedicated herself to voter education. Among her influential efforts for political mobilization was her role as founder of the Bayview-Hunters Point Democratic Club.

Doris Thomas was a devoted mother, sister and friend. To her daughter, Tandi, and her sisters, Naomi Gray and Ruth Long, I extend my deepest sympathies. To all those who loved Doris, thank you for sharing her with us.