Shrita Hernandez
202.263.2812
media@cbcfinc.org
Averyl Bailey
202.263.2812
The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Incorporated (CBCF) mourns the loss of two of our emerging leaders, Jonathan E. Riley, Esq., CBCF Science and Technology Congressional fellow who served in the office of Rep. G. K. Butterfield and Dmitri Clemons, CBCF 2016 Emerging Leaders: U.S.- China Study Abroad delegate.
“Our hearts are broken. We recently lost two powerful, young and transformative emerging leaders. Both were galvanizing an ever-growing movement demanding transformational social and economic change.
“As a CBCF Science and Technology Congressional fellow who served in the office of Rep. G. K. Butterfield, Jonathan dedicated himself to giving to others. He received his Juris Doctor from Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law. Jonathan also gave back to his community as a youth mentor, volunteered in community cleaning efforts, health outreach, and projects that provided access and resources to aspiring law students here and abroad.
“Known for his rigorous work ethic, integrity, and legal acumen, Jonathan set a strong example of the spirit of civic engagement that helped strengthen communities and our nation.
“The CBCF community is as deeply saddened by the sudden death of Dmitri Clemons two short weeks ago. Dmitri, a senior at Morgan State University in Maryland, spent his summer studying in China as an intern in the CBCF Emerging Leaders: U.S.-China Study Abroad program. As a member of the 2016 delegation, Dmitri viewed his summer internship as an opportunity to use his skills in civil engineering to inspire future innovators.
“Jonathan and Dmitri represented the best of their generation of young African-American leaders. They were both concerned about the state of our community, and they wanted to make a positive difference in the world.
“During this time of great loss, we pause to reflect on their contributions and service to communities—and will forever remember them in our hearts as we continue the great work of creating opportunities for young African-American leaders.
“Jonathan’s and Dmitri’s families and loved ones are in our thoughts and prayers. They have sustained a terrible loss, and our hearts are broken for them, and for Jonathan and Dmitri.”