According to a posting on his web page, Representative Donald M. Payne (77) passed away Tuesday, March 6, at the Saint Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, New Jersey.



Gen. Carter F. Ham, commander of US Africa Command shares, "I had the great privilege of meeting Congressman Payne when we both were members of the U.S. Delegation to South Sudan's Independence Ceremony in Juba. Then, and in subsequent discussions with him, it became clear to me that Congressman Payne understood, like few others, the importance of the ties between our country and the nations of Africa. His untiring efforts to strengthen those ties will be, for me, what I remember most about this great leader."



The press announcement from Rep. Payne's web site reads:



Rep. Donald M. Payne Passes Away After Serving Over Two Decades in the U.S. Congress

March 6, 2012



WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Congressman Donald M. Payne (NJ-10) passed away at the Saint Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, New Jersey of complications from colon cancer. His office released the following statement:



“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Rep. Donald M. Payne. A native of Newark, New Jersey, Rep. Payne dedicated his life to serving the men, women and children of the 10th Congressional District. In addition to his service as a public school teacher in Newark and Passaic, Rep. Payne served as the first African-American President of the National YMCA. For 24 years, Rep. Payne traveled throughout the world serving as a calm and rational voice on issues impacting the social conditions of the global community.



Rep. Payne used his senior position on the U.S. House of Representatives Education and the Workforce Committee to advocate on behalf of children, working families and senior citizens. His top-priorities remained closing the achievement gap, providing equitable funding for public schools and making college and healthcare more affordable. As the highest ranked Democrat on the House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, and Human Rights, Rep. Payne worked tirelessly to protect human rights and provide humanitarian aid to developing countries, particularly in Africa. He also served as a former Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus and most recent Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc.



New Jersey has lost a noble public servant, and the world has lost an amazing human being. Those of us who have been fortunate enough to know and work with Rep. Payne have lost a dear friend and an inspiring mentor. Rep. Payne once stated, ‘There is a lot of dignity in being able to achieve things without having to create rapture.’ In accordance with his civil approach and global humanitarian efforts, Rep. Payne would want us to carry on by defending against injustice and protecting human rights so that all mankind can pursue the excellence of the human potential.”