The City of Oakland Declared May 19 'Paul Mooney Day"

The City of Oakland Declared May 19 ‘Paul Mooney Day”

Photo Courtesy of Variety

According to TMZ, the city of Oakland, California, has decided to officially honor the late comedic legend, Paul Mooney, and name May 19 “Paul Mooney Day.“

Legal documentation stated that Oakland City Councilmember Carroll Fife proposed the resolution to name a day after Mooney and recognize him for his “uncompromising social and political commentary and iconic contributions to Black arts and entertainment.”

The resolution named Mooney “an Oakland treasure—a trailblazing comedian, writer, producer, film and television actor with a career spanning four decades” and says his legacy is “a shining example of the talent in Oakland.”The council member also mentioned that the city had wanted to commemorate the comedian a while before he died. The city council finally passed her proposal unanimously on Wednesday, May 26, so that May 19 (the day Mooney passed away) will now be named in his honor for years to come.Fife told the outlet that after Mooney’s passing, she made several calls to people he was close with, inquiring with what they should do.

One of those close friends being another comedian and Oakland native, Luenell.

Fife said Luenell was in full support of Paul Mooney Day, and the two devised a plan for the official creation.

As Sister2Sister previously reported, Paul Mooney died on May 19 after suffering a heart attack in his home.

The comedian was known to have been suffering from dementia and living with his cousin at the time of his passing.

Journalist Ronald Martin tweeted, “Comedic legend Paul Mooney has passed away.”

“His cousin Rudy Ealy just called me from Paul’s phone and said he passed away two hours ago after suffering a heart attack at his home in Oakland. He was 79. We will pay tribute to him tonight on #RolandMartinUnfiltered.”

The council member also mentioned that next year the plan is to hold various events on May 19 to pay tribute to him meanwhile also celebrating other Oakland legends who are still alive.