Longtime Congressional Black Caucus member David Scott dies at 80
David Scott, a longtime member of the Congressional Black Caucus, died April 22 at age 80 after more than two decades in Congress, where he became the first Black chair of the House Agriculture Committee. Known for championing rural communities, disadvantaged farmers and economic equity, the Georgia Democrat leaves behind a legacy of advocacy spanning both state and federal government. The post Longtime Congressional Black Caucus member David Scott dies at 80 appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.
Black News 
By Ashleigh Fields
Special to the AFRO
Georgia Democratic Rep. David Scott died April 22 at the age of 80 after years of service as an elected official.
Scott was notably the first Black person to chair the House Agriculture Committee and sat on the House Financial Services Committee for years up until his death.
The Georgia lawmaker was well known as an advocate for rural resources, education, employment and home ownership. He championed legislation in all four areas for his metro Atlanta constituents throughout his 23-year tenure in Congress.
Scott represented six counties, including Clayton, DeKalb, Gwinnett, Henry, Newton and Rockdale.
He died in the midst of running for a 13th term after qualifying for the ballot last month “David and I served side by side for decades — first in the Georgia General Assembly and later together in the United States House of Representatives. More so, we shared a friendship rooted in faith, family, and a deep commitment to the people we represent. I have known David and his family for many years. My wife, Vivian, and I join countless Georgians in mourning his loss and in holding his loved ones close,” Democratic Rep. Sanford Bishop Jr. of Georgia told the AFRO.
Bishop said Scott’s selection to chair the House Agriculture Committee reflected his years of “principled leadership.”
“He used that platform to fight for 1890 land‑grant institutions and disadvantaged farmers who too often have been left behind, working tirelessly to secure resources for the agricultural producers, rural communities and nutrition programs that sustain our state and our nation,” Bishop said.
“David’s devotion to the larger agricultural community — from small family farms across Georgia to cooperative extension and HBCU researchers — was personal and persistent. He understood that the health of our farms, the dignity of our workers, and the nourishment of our people are bound together, and he labored each day to translate that understanding into results,” he added.
Others agreed, touting the Alpha Phi Alpha member and Mason as a community driven leader.
“As his colleague on the House Financial Services Committee, I witnessed firsthand his deep conviction in advancing a more just and inclusive financial system, one that offered every American a fair shot,” Ohio Rep. Joyce Beatty (D) told the AFRO.
“In committee hearings, Congressional Black Caucus gatherings, and beyond, we shared many meaningful conversations and moments of laughter. I will always hold great admiration for his leadership and friendship,” she added, noting Scott left an “indelible mark” on Congress.
“My heart and prayers are with his family, friends and loved ones during this difficult time,” Beatty added.
Georgia Rep. Nikema Williams (D) said Scott was “generous with his time, steady in his support, and committed to our shared mission to serve the people of Georgia.”
Scott cared about Georgia matters and served both in the state House and Senate but advocated for D.C. Statehood and gun rights on a national level.
“I deeply feel the loss of Rep. Scott’s committed voice in this movement as the District of Columbia and many communities across the country continue to experience the damaging ripples of gun violence,” D.C. Shadow Sen. Ankit Jain (D) told the AFRO.
“I am also thankful for Rep. Scott’s long history of support for DC statehood and his commitment to providing full representation to the plurality Black residents of Washington, D.C. I extend my heartfelt condolences to Rep. Scott’s loved ones and to the people of Georgia he represented.
There is no better way to honor his memory than with continued advocacy and action to advance meaningful solutions and protect communities nationwide,” he added.
In addition to his political accolades, Scott ran his family marketing business, using his degrees from Florida A&M University and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania to help cultivate the company.
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