Press Release

It is with great sadness that I’m announcing the recent passing of Bea Underwood.

To myself and so many others across Minnesota, Bea was a mentor, a leader, and a friend. I will always admire Bea’s unshakable faith in the power of people to triumph over adversity and to win against long odds and powerful opposition. That belief was borne out when Bea played a key role in Paul Wellstone’s remarkable election to the United States Senate despite the powerful and well-funded opposition he faced.

Whether it was through her work with Senator Paul Wellstone, her leadership as a member of the Democratic National Committee, or her tireless advocacy for Minnesota’s African American community, Bea did so much to organize and empower people to fight for a better future for themselves, their loved ones, and their communities.

Bea Underwood’s leadership and friendship will be greatly missed, and I ask that you observe a personal moment of silence today in her honor.