The purpose of this survey is to honor the enduring legacy of Willie J. Mims, a dedicated advocate for public education and a proud native of Pittsburg. Throughout his life, Willie Mims passionately championed the rights of students, tirelessly working to ensure that every child had access to quality education. He believed firmly in the transformative power of learning and the critical role that public education plays in shaping not only individual lives but also the future of our communities. By gathering community input through this survey, we aim to explore the possibility of renaming a school, school board room, or library in his honor, thereby recognizing his significant contributions to our educational system and the profound impact he had on
countless lives.
countless lives.
This survey is important for several reasons. First and foremost, it serves as a meaningful way to commemorate Willie Mims' dedication to public education. By renaming a public space after him, we create a lasting tribute that honors his commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable educational environment. Such recognition not only celebrates his achievements but also ensures that his values and vision continue to resonate within our community.
Willie J. Mims possessed a robust academic background, which included an Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree obtained from Diablo Valley College in 1972, a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in English/Creative Writing from San Francisco State University in 1974, and a Master of Arts (M.A.) in English/Creative Writing, also from San Francisco State University, in 1978. He acquired the California Secondary Education Teaching Credential in English in 1979. His Master's thesis, entitled *The Boy Who Threw Rocks*, is a collection of short stories inspired by his formative years.
Mr. Mims commenced his educational career as a substitute teacher within the Pittsburg Unified School District in the early 1980s. He subsequently served as a Teacher and Teacher-in-Charge at John Finney High School (formerly People’s High) in the Vallejo City Unified School District from 1984 until 2009.
In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Mr. Mims was actively involved in various community and educational organizations. He co-founded the East County NAACP and the Pittsburg Black Political Association, where he served as Education Chair for an extended period. He held the position of representative on the Contra Costa Community College Hiring Policy Review Committee and was a member of both the Mt. Diablo Unified School District Equity and Disproportionality Committee and the Vallejo Unified School District LCAP and LCFF Committees. Moreover, he was mentored students through the Safe In My Brother’s Arms Program, served on the Board of the East County Boys and Girls Club, and volunteered at the Greater Faith Food Pantry.
Mr. Mims's commitment to civil rights began at the age of 17 when he advocated for the Rumford Fair Housing Act in 1963 by distributing literature aimed at eradicating racial discrimination in housing. From 2013 to 2015, he led the African-American Male Achievement Initiative within the Antioch Unified School District, which aimed to address and mitigate racial achievement gaps. In 2015, he played a pivotal role in negotiating an agreement with Antioch Unified aimed at reducing suspensions and expulsions of Black students and students with disabilities. Additionally, he vocally opposed the WesPac crude oil project in Pittsburg. In 2020, at the age of 75, he participated in all six Black Lives Matter marches in Pittsburg, completing a five-mile walk from Antioch to Pittsburg City Hall.
His legacy, a lifelong resident of Bay Point and Pittsburg, and devoted husband to Darlene.