On April 27, 2026, the Pittsburg community gathered for a historic milestone as the Pittsburg Unified School District (PUSD) officially dedicated its board room in honor of the late civil rights leader and educator, Mr. Willie J. Mims.
The ceremony featured remarks from local dignitaries, including Contra Costa County Supervisor Shanelle Scales-Preston, who reflected on the profound legacy of a man often called the “Conscience of Pittsburg”.
A Legacy of Grit and Commitment
Supervisor Scales-Preston, a Pittsburg native and former Mayor, spoke to the deep impact Mr. Mims had on her hometown. She noted that for those who grew up in the city, “Pittsburg Pride” is more than a slogan—it is a commitment and a grit that no one embodied more than Mr. Mims.
According to the Supervisor, Mr. Mims did more than just live in the community; he invested in its soil until the “fruits of justice” began to grow. His work as a dedicated advocate spanned decades, including leadership roles with the NAACP and the Boys & Girls Club, where he focused on fostering identity and confidence in young people.
The “Conscience of the Room”
For years, Mr. Mims was a constant fixture at local government meetings, whether they were held by the School Board, City Council, or the Board of Supervisors. Supervisor Scales-Preston recalled many nights sitting on the dais and seeing Mr. Mims in the audience, ready to step up to the microphone to deliver the “truth that needed to be told”.
His advocacy was characterized by an incredible “radar” for inequity:
- He spoke for students in the back of the classroom who lacked the proper books.
- He championed families in underserved neighborhoods who felt their voices stopped at the railroad tracks.
- He practiced what he preached, serving at food pantries and drafting strategies to dismantle systemic injustice.
Image by PUSD
An Intentional Choice for Leadership
The Supervisor highlighted the specific importance of naming the Board Room—rather than a park or a street—after Mr. Mims. As the space where “The System” operates and where power resides, the room now stands as a statement that leadership must always remain accountable to the people.
From now on, every difficult vote regarding achievement gaps or resource allocation will be conducted under the banner of Mr. Willie J. Mims. His name will serve as a permanent “Point of Order,” asking leaders if their decisions are truly equitable and if they honor the potential of every child.
Carrying the Mission Forward
The dedication was not just a look back at history, but a charge for the future. Supervisor Scales-Preston credited Mr. Mims with helping to shape a generation of leaders, including herself, by teaching them how to be brave and persistent.
In closing, the Supervisor urged the Pittsburg community not to let the dedication be a “silent” memorial, but to honor Mr. Mims by continuing to show up, ask hard questions, and volunteer in the community. While his mark is now etched into the heart of the school district, she noted that the responsibility to carry on his work now belongs to the people of Pittsburg.
Information released by Supervisor Shanelle Scales-Preston
Editors Note
According to the School District, this tribute began in December 2024, following a proposal from the East Contra Costa County NAACP Branch. To ensure this honor reflected our community’s heart, the Board created an Ad-Hoc committee to gather input and create a lasting tribute. It was decided that there was no better way to honor Mr. Mims’ legacy than to name the very room where he spent countless hours advocating for students and families. We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the NAACP, committee members, staff and the entire Pittsburg community for your partnership in making this dedication possible.
