David Harold Blackwell, professor emeritus of mathematics and statistics at the University of California at Berkeley, passed away peacefully in Berkeley July 8, 2010, at age 91. He was a towering figure in probability, statistics and the mathematical sciences, He was much involved with the advancement of these fields, particularly because of his interests in theory and in teaching and for the benefit of minorities. He lived through the periods of World War II and when the United States was rejecting and dealing with segregation in legal and social ways. He experienced racism, but fought it with composure. He was the first African American inducted into the National Academy of Sciences. He was a member of many communities.

This talk will survey David Blackwell's contributions to public service, research and teaching. Some personal anecdotes will be included.