By Congressman Mark Takano
I was saddened to learn of former Riverside City Councilman Ameal Moore’s passing last month. For over fifty years, Ameal led an outstanding life in public service.
His story is nothing short of inspiring. Born in Camp Rowling, Mississippi, Ameal experienced the injustice of “Separate but Equal.” In 1965, as Ameal was beginning his adult life, his brother Oneal, a Louisiana Sheriff, was murdered by the racist vigilante group the Night Riders.
Despite the challenges Ameal faced growing up, he graduated as the president and valedictorian of his high school class. After graduating, Ameal chose to help his family and serve his country by joining the United States Air Force.
After eight years in the Air Force, Ameal settled with his family in Riverside, where he worked for the United States Postal Service for over 30 years, eventually becoming the Assistant Postmaster. His service extended to local organizations in Riverside, as he was the President of Riverside’s NAACP Chapter, and served on the board of the Greater Riverside Urban League, an organization that I was lucky to serve on with Ameal.
Eventually, Ameal decided to run for public office and was elected to the Riverside City Council in 1994, becoming one of the first African American City Council members in our city’s history. During his tenure, Ameal showed an unparalleled passion toward improving our community.
Ameal’s story proves that with hard work and dedication, one can achieve their dreams. From his childhood mired in discrimination to his service as a Riverside City Councilman, Ameal’s life is an inspiration to all who aspire for a better future.
Riverside is lucky to have had such a remarkable and dedicated public servant like Ameal Moore. I’m incredibly proud that Ameal came to Riverside, and that our city was where he fulfilled his dreams. He will be missed.