HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF HAROLD K. BROWN

On 2026-05-21, Representative Juan Vargas (D-CA-52) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF HAROLD K. BROWN" in the House.

HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF HAROLD K. BROWN

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 87 (Thursday, May 21, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 87 (Thursday, May 21, 2026)] [House] [Page H3716] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF HAROLD K. BROWN (Mr. VARGAS asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.) Mr. VARGAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Harold K. Brown, Hal Brown, who was called home on May 6. As a civil rights leader, an educator, and a veteran, Hal was a giant in San Diego and a good friend to many of us. Born in Pennsylvania, Hal came to San Diego State University in 1953 on a basketball scholarship. He continued his education at Fordham University, earning a master's degree before returning to San Diego. Hal was a leader in the San Diego civil rights movement. He cofounded the local chapter of the Congress of Racial Equality, led demonstrations, and fought tirelessly against discrimination. In 1971, Hal joined SDSU as a faculty member and remained there for 26 years. He was the school's first Black administrator and later founded what became the Department of Africana Studies. Hal left an indelible mark on San Diego. His passion, his courage, his commitment to racial and economic justice, and his work to make our community a better place for all will never be forgotten, especially for those of us who called him friend. We honor Hal's extraordinary life and the legacy he lives behind. ____________________