John George (California politician)

John George
Member of the Alameda County Board of Supervisors
from District 5
In office
1976–1988
Preceded by Tom Bates
Succeeded by Warren Widener
Personal details
Political party Democratic
Residence Oakland

John George (d.o.b./d.o.d unknown) was a Californian politician and the first African American elected to the Alameda County Board of Supervisors. George served as supervisor for the Alameda County's District 5 for over ten years from December 1976 to January 1989.[1]

A psychiatric hospital administered by the Alameda County Medical Center, the John George Psychiatric Pavilion opened in 1992 and was named after George to honor his advocacy for the mentally ill.[2] George had stated "My people [African Americans] were the first laboratory animals in America." In October 1989 a Democratic Party club was formed and also named after George, the John George Democratic Club [3] whose goals are "In his memory and in an effort to keep his voice and vision alive in the Democratic Party".

George is described as been the leading proponent of the health care, welfare, and workers' rights of all County citizens, an early activist in the struggle for civil rights and affirmative action and a long-time leader in the local Anti-Apartheid Movement.[4]

References

  1. Sesquicentennial Celebration listing of Alameda County supervisors since 1885, Alameda County website
  2. John George Psychiatric Pavilion on the Alameda County Medical Center website
  3. John George Democratic Club (JGDC) John George Democratic Club
  4. John George Democratic Club (JGDC) JGDC Club Goals


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