Rep. Aguilar’s Bill to Honor Dr. Margaret B. Hill Becomes Law

Today, Rep. Pete Aguilar announced that his bill to rename the Del Rosa Post Office to honor the late Dr. Margaret B. Hill, a longtime educator and community advocate, was signed into law by President Biden on November 25, 2024.

"Dr. Margaret Hill was the heartbeat of the San Bernardino community and touched the lives of every person she met," said Rep. Pete Aguilar. "She dedicated her life to making our community stronger through her work as an educator and youth empowerment leader. I am honored to have led this effort to enshrine her name in San Bernardino, and I hope this tribute will inspire us all to continue her legacy for years to come."

"We are beyond excited to finally see Dr. Margaret Hill's legacy honored at our local post office," said Erika Johnson, Dr. Hill's niece. "On behalf of the family, we would like to thank Rep. Pete Aguilar, Curt Lewis and the team whose commitment has made this possible. It is our hopes that when people see Dr. Margaret Hill's name it will encourage them to lead with kindness, love and to continue pursuing their dreams to make the community a better place. We take pride in knowing that her legacy will continue to bring light to those in the Inland Empire."

"The legacy of Dr. Margaret Hill has been a testament of the work that has inspired many in the City and County of San Bernardino," said Dr. Gwen Dowdy Rodgers. "I am excited to see this project completed, and I look forward to celebrating with the community."

"In honoring Dr. Margaret Hill, we celebrate not only her remarkable contributions to our community but also the enduring legacy of love, wisdom, and service that she has instilled in us all," said Terrance Stone, Founder and CEO Of Young Visionaries Youth Leadership Academy. "May the post office bearing her name in San Bernardino serve as a beacon of her dedication, reminding us that our greatest strength lies in lifting each other up. With gratitude, Terrance Stone."

"The naming this facility in honor of Dr. Margaret Hill is a great example of our democracy at work," said Alton L. Garrett, Jr., President, Westside Action Group (WAG). "Through the gallant efforts of Westside Action Group (WAG) and other organizations in coordination with the office of Congressman Pete Aguilar, the naming ("Dr. Margaret B. Hill Post Office Building") of this postal facility will ensure that Dr. Hill's outstanding work and love for her community will always be in the forefront."

Dr. Hill, who passed away in December 2021, devoted her life's work to ensuring that children in the Inland Empire, specifically black and brown students, have access to high-quality education. In 1971, Dr. Hill began her work in public service as a high school teacher at San Bernardino High School. She later went on to serve as a principal, an Assistant Superintendent of San Bernardino County, an adjunct professor and as the first Black member of the San Bernardino City Unified School District school board.

Rep. Aguilar's effort to rename the post office was endorsed by: National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa - Delta Rho Chapter, Athletes for Life, First Five San Bernardino Commission, Black Cultural Foundation, Kiwanis of Greater San Bernardino, San Bernardino African American Policy Advisory and Time for Change Foundation.

Rep. Aguilar first introduced the bill in March 2022. After reintroducing the bill in February 2023, it passed the House and Senate with unanimous, bipartisan support.

The newly renamed Dr. Margaret B. Hill Post Office Building will be located at 1663 E. Date Place in San Bernardino, California.

Rep. Aguilar serves as Chair of the House Democratic Caucus and as a member of the House Committee on Appropriations.

###