Rep. Hank Johnson's statement on the passing of Rep. Donald Payne

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Hank Johnson (D-GA) issued the following statement after the news of the passing of Rep. Donald Payne (D-NJ).

“I am very sad to learn of Congressman Payne’s passing. Donald was an unwavering champion of working people here and around the globe. He spoke for the disenfranchised and the powerless and gave us – especially in the Congressional Black Caucus – mentorship, leadership and direction.

As a former teacher, he worked tirelessly for educational opportunity and stood up when human or workers’ rights were threatened. I'll never forget his mentorship during my work on Uganda in 2007, when I called on the government of Uganda and the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) to recommit to peace negotiations.

That was just Donald – always willing to lend a hand with the heart of a lion. My thoughts and prayers go out to Donald’s family.”

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