Joint Center Mourns the Loss of Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr.

WASHINGTON — In response to the passing of Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr., (D-NJ), the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies released the following statement:

“We mourn the loss of Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr., a six-term House member and the first Black representative from New Jersey. Payne, Jr., who was a friend of the Joint Center, served on a 2015 organizational host committee for a three-day roundtable focused on criminal justice, technology, financial services, and energy workforce,” said Joint Center President Dedrick Asante-Muhammad.

Asante-Muhammad continued: “Payne, Jr.’s advocacy work overlapped with the Joint Center’s mission and focus areas in that he championed, among other issues, small businesses development, racial justice, and worked to create equality across the country. Notably, he held the position of Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials within the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. He devoted considerable effort to creating a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program within the Federal Railroad Administration to boost the involvement of women and minority-owned businesses in major national rail infrastructure endeavors. The son of former Congressman Donald Payne, Sr., who ran for his father’s seat in 2012, we are beyond grateful for his commitment to public service and dedication to advancing the needs of Black communities. We grieve his loss with his family, colleagues, and former district.”

About the Joint Center: The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, America’s Black think tank, provides compelling and actionable policy solutions to eradicate persistent and evolving barriers to the full freedom of Black people in America. We are the trusted forum for leading experts and scholars to participate in major public policy debates and promote ideas that advance Black communities. We use evidence-based research, analysis, convenings, and strategic communications to support Black communities and a network of allies.