Barbara Jean Lee’s trailblazing journey continues to unfold. The pioneering politician recently won Oakland’s mayoral race in April 2025. She will be inaugurated as the city’s 52nd mayor this June, adding another historic chapter to her remarkable career of public service.
Howard University plans to honor Lee’s lifetime achievements next month. The institution will award her an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree at its May 2025 Commencement ceremony. She’ll share this special occasion with her niece, who graduates from Howard that same day.
Breaking Barriers in California Politics Through Persistence
Barbara Lee shattered glass ceilings throughout California’s political landscape. She became the first Black woman elected to represent Northern California in the State Assembly. Her groundbreaking journey continued as she later became the first Black woman to serve Northern California in the State Senate.
These accomplishments required extraordinary determination. Lee balanced raising two sons as a single mother while pursuing higher education. She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology and later completed a master’s degree in social work. These academic achievements provided a foundation for her later policy work.
Her political rise didn’t happen overnight. Lee’s early community involvement included working with Black Panther founders Huey Newton and Bobby Seale. Together, they developed programs providing food and education to Oakland children. This grassroots experience shaped her approach to politics and public service.
Courageous Stand Against War Powers Showed Unmatched Principle
Perhaps Lee’s most defining moment came after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. While the nation reeled from tragedy, Congress quickly moved to authorize military force. Lee stood completely alone in her position. She cast the only vote against the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force.
“I felt like I did the right thing,” Lee reflected. “It was an overly broad authorization — 60 words that set the stage for forever wars. It’s been used over 40 times in some 20 countries, and even President Obama used that authorization to go to war. It was wrong and it was unconstitutional.”
This principled stance came at great personal risk. Lee received death threats and required a security detail. Yet history has largely vindicated her concerns. The authorization has enabled multiple presidents to wage military actions worldwide without specific congressional approval, exactly as she predicted.
Global Health Leadership Saved Millions Through PEPFAR Initiative
Lee’s most far-reaching humanitarian achievement came through her work on HIV/AIDS. She served as co-author and lead sponsor of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). This landmark legislation passed Congress with bipartisan support and received President George W. Bush’s signature in 2003.
“As a public servant, when you can step in the gap, you do so,” Lee explained. “I went to President Bush and told him that people were dying, including Black people, of HIV and AIDS. We had to do something. To know that I have been responsible to know that I, along with others, have saved 25 million lives is very rewarding and very uplifting.”
The program’s impact extends across 50 countries with over $110 billion invested. PEPFAR provides antiretroviral drugs that stop HIV from replicating and boost immune systems. It funds prevention programs and testing initiatives that help halt disease transmission. The U.S. State Department estimates this work has saved approximately 26 million lives worldwide.
From Business Leadership to Congressional Power
Lee’s career path includes significant experience beyond elected office. She previously owned a facilities management company employing over 400 workers. Her business provided sustainable wages for employees and prioritized hiring formerly incarcerated individuals, creating economic opportunity in her community.
In Congress, Lee wielded substantial influence through key leadership positions. She chaired both the Congressional Progressive Caucus and the Congressional Black Caucus. These roles placed her at the forefront of civil rights legislation and policy promoting socioeconomic equity.
Her appointment to the powerful House Committee on Appropriations further expanded her impact. As the first person of color chairing the subcommittee funding foreign operations, she directed federal resources to address health disparities. Lee consistently fought to ensure government funding reached historically underserved communities, including Black colleges and universities.
Early Life Shaped by Catholic Education and Social Justice
Lee’s commitment to service began during her Catholic school education. The Sisters of Loretto at St. Josephs in El Paso, Texas instilled lasting values that shaped her worldview and career choices.
“The Sisters of Loretto in El Paso, Texas taught me at St. Josephs, and their framework for teaching was, ‘go where the need is the greatest,’” Lee recalled. “I guess that stuck with me. They taught the catechism of religion from a construct of ‘you must work for peace and justice.’”
These formative experiences occurred against the backdrop of segregation. Lee was born in a segregated hospital, giving her firsthand experience with institutional discrimination. Rather than becoming discouraged, these challenges strengthened her resolve to fight for equality and opportunity for all people.
Mayoral Vision Focuses on Unity and Community Needs
Lee’s recent mayoral campaign centered on addressing Oakland’s most pressing concerns. Her platform emphasized public safety improvements, government accountability, and housing affordability. These priorities reflect her continued commitment to community-focused leadership.
Her transition from Congress to city leadership demonstrates Lee’s dedication to service at all levels. After decades in Washington, many politicians might choose retirement. Instead, Lee chose to bring her experience and vision back to directly serve her home community.
This decision aligns perfectly with her lifelong philosophy. When asked what advice she would give Howard’s graduates about public service careers, Lee emphasized community engagement over title-seeking: “Prove yourself, work in your community, make the change that is necessary regardless of what your passion is. Do the work and you will get that recognition.”
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