R. Donahue Peebles is a wealthy Black real estate investor and developer. (AFRO File Photo)
U.S. Rep. Chaka Fattah (D-Pa.) resigned as the chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) on July 30. This is the result of a 29-count indictment filed against him by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Philadelphia on July 29 for misappropriating federal funds to pay off a campaign debt. On July 30, CBCF president and CEO A. Shuanise Washington announced his successor.
“Mr. R. Donahue Peebles, the immediate past vice chairman of the CBCF board of directors, will assume the role of chairman,immediately,’ Washington said.
Peebles is a real estate entrepreneur, author, and founder and chairman of The Peebles Corporation. He is a District native and one of the most successful Black real estate investors and developers in the country. He owns properties in San Francisco, Boston, New York City, Miami, Miami Beach, and the District that includes the Courtyard by Marriott Convention Center Hotel downtown and an office building on Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue in Southeast.
Washington thanked Fattah for his three-year service and said that the work of the foundation will continue. “Despite the changes in board leadership, the CBCF will continue its efforts to develop opportunities for African Americans in all facets of life, from employment, economic empowerment and health care to education,” she said.
Fattah’s resignation takes place as the CBCF is preparing for its 45th Annual Legislative Conference that will take place primarily at the Walter Washington Convention Center from Sept. 16-20. Thousands of people from across the country will come to the District to participate and attend scores of workshops and brain trusts on a wide range of topics that pertain to Black Americans.
Fattah also resigned on July 29 as the ranking Democrat of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies with the blessing of House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.). Despite stepping down from the subcommittee and CBCF leadership positions, Fattah said he will fight the charges.
“As I have previously stated, I have never participate in any illegal activity or misappropriation of taxpayer dollars as an elected official,” he said in a statement. “For the last 21 years, I have represented the people of Philadelphia in Congress with honor and dignity, helping millions of families through my efforts focused on education, employment, mortgage relief and health care. I will proudly continue to serve my constituents and look forward to helping millions more.”
The representative is still performing his duties. On Aug. 4, he delivered remarks at the National Medical Association convention in Detroit. Fattah has made it clear, from published reports, that he will run for re-election in 2016.
Diane Bowman, the executive director of the Pennsylvania Democratic Party, told the AFRO that the party had no comment on Fattah’s legal troubles but added “let the man have his day in court.” A staffer for Pennsylvania Black Caucus Chair Rep. Vanessa Lowery Brown (D-Philadelphia) told the AFRO that Brown did not have a comment on the Fattah matter either.