Bill Text: GA HR2188 | 2011-2012 | Regular Session | Introduced

Georgia House Resolution 2188 (Prior Session Legislation)

Introduced

Bill Title: History Markers; Houston, Georgia; commend

Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2012-04-02 - House Hopper [HR2188 Detail]

Download: Georgia-2011-HR2188-Introduced.html

12 LC 35 2721

House Resolution 2188

By: Representatives Abdul-Salaam of the 74th, Talton of the 145th, O`Neal of the 146th, Brooks of the 63rd, and Smith of the 168th

A RESOLUTION

Honoring and commending the History Makers of Houston, Georgia, who helped to make the Honorable Roberta Abdul-Salaam, Ph.D. a great leader and person; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, during her youth, Roberta Abdul-Salaam was fortunate enough to be raised by a strong grandmother, Mrs. Beatrice Wimberly, who was affectionately called Ms. Bee by everybody in the community; and

WHEREAS, her grandmother was involved in the school PTAs, local chapters of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), served as recording secretary of Mt. Olive Baptist Church, and many more community activities and civic organizations; and

WHEREAS, for every holiday Ms. Abdul-Salaam's grandmother coordinated fun events for all the youth in the community, she led by example, firm but loving and compassionate, she never allowed any one she knew to go hungry; and

WHEREAS, Ms. Bee had four daughters, Meloneaze, Ruth, Ella, and lnez, and was a surrogate mother to many more; and when Ms. Abdul-Salaam's mother passed away in 1961, Ms. Bee stopped working outside the home and dedicated her life to raising Roberta Abdul-Salaam, her sister Shelia, and her brother Theodore; in total she raised 13 grandchildren and even though she had little income, none of the children ever lacked anything they needed; and

WHEREAS, other persons that played a significant role in the life of Roberta Abdul-Salaam were key leaders in her community of Warner Robins in Houston County, Georgia, including: Mrs. Ada Lee, activist, educational political leader, and personal mentor; Mr. Silas Smith, a surrogate father, President of Houston County SCLC, businessman, political leader, and a major leader in the Civil Rights Movement, working with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Andrew Young; and

WHEREAS, another person who had a significant impact on the life of Roberta Abdul-Salaam Senator was Senator Sam Nunn, the first people's political campaign she had worked on as a teenager and he never forgot her answering her call for help in 1982 on a military matter in Adana, Turkey; and

WHEREAS, other important and prominent figures are Mr. Oscar Thomie, Houston County NAACP President and a very effective leader and civic organizer; Mrs. Kathleen Bynum, one of the first black businesswomen to influence the life of Roberta Abdul-Salaam; Reverend Willie Joe Johnson, Boy Scout leader, civic organizer, and activist; Mr. & Mrs. Oliver Garmon; Mrs. Ruby Richardson, RNT Funeral Home; Mrs. Nancy Green; Mr. Sammy Nelson; Mr. Eddie Lee Sanders; Senior Master Sergeant Jerrie Woods; Mrs. Annie Laura Clarington; Mrs. Pearl Colbert; Mr. Larry Holmes; Freeman and Billy Colbert; Reverend Donald Jordan; Mr. Alton Maddox, a teacher who impacted so many young lives at the recreation center; Dan and Sara Pearl Lawson; Mrs. Rosa Mae Tharpe; Reverend Harold Rawls, Pastor of Springfield Baptist Church; Deacon Artis Wilson; and County Commissioner Mr. Houston Porter, the first black elected official in Houston County; and

WHEREAS, the Honorable Roberta Abdul-Salaam, Ph.D. was also greatly influenced by her fellow classmates who are currently holding major leadership roles, including: Reverend Josh Kirvin, Pastor of First Baptist Church; Reverend Charlie Blackmon; Reverend Melvin Womack; Reverend Jackie & Sharon Garmon who runs an Encouragement Ministry; national athlete James Brooks, of the NFL; national athletes Ron Simmons and DeWayne "the Rock" Johnson who were the first black champion wrestlers in the WWF; and his brother, Dr. Bobby Simmons, M.D.; Mrs. Patricia French, international fashion and fragrance entrepreneur; and Wanda Garmon, surgical nurse; and

WHEREAS, all of these people from her home have led the Honorable Roberta Abdul-Salaam, Ph.D. on her path and guided her as she currently walks ahead and although many of the elders are now deceased, she will cherish each and every one of these many heroes that mentored her life; and

WHEREAS, the Honorable Roberta Abdul-Salaam, Ph.D. is a lady of great honor, integrity, compassion, and honesty, and these strong characteristics and service to the Georgia General Assembly are only possible due to dedication and love of the great History Makers of Houston, Georgia.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that the members of this body join in honoring and commending the great History Makers of Houston, Georgia, who helped to make the Honorable Roberta Abdul-Salaam, Ph.D. a strong leader and person.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized and directed to transmit an appropriate copy of this resolution to Honorable Roberta Abdul-Salaam, Ph.D.