Bill Text: GA HR259 | 2011-2012 | Regular Session | Introduced

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Bill Title: Sherrod, Mrs. Shirley; commend and invite to House

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 2-0)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2011-02-10 - House Read and Referred [HR259 Detail]

Download: Georgia-2011-HR259-Introduced.html

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11 LC 94 4091

House Resolution 259

By: Representatives Dukes of the 150th and Fullerton of the 151st

A RESOLUTION

Recognizing and commending Mrs. Shirley Sherrod and inviting her to be recognized by the House of Representatives; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, Mrs. Shirley Sherrod has long been recognized for the vital role that she has played in leadership and her deep personal commitment to the welfare of the citizens of the United States; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Sherrod was born in Baker County, Georgia, the beloved daughter of Grace and Hosie Miller, and she was among the first black students to enroll in the previously all-white high school in Baker County; and

WHEREAS, at the age of 17, Mrs. Sherrod's father, a deacon of the local Baptist church, was shot to death by a white farmer reportedly over a dispute about livestock; and

WHEREAS, this tragedy was a turning point in Mrs. Sherrod's life and guided her career towards work with the United States Department of Agriculture in Georgia, helping minority farmers keep their land; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Sherrod attended Fort Valley State College and Albany State University, working for civil rights with the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, and earned a master's degree from Antioch University; and

WHEREAS, in 2009, Mrs. Sherrod was hired by the United States Department of Agriculture as the Georgia director of rural development, making her the first black person to ever hold the position; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Sherrod was forced to resign in 2010 after edited video clips of a speech given by Mrs. Sherrod were used as political fodder that ignited backlash within the government; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Sherrod was given full apologies from the government and offered a new position after the full context of her speech came to light; however, she has chosen to remain a private citizen and works diligently promoting candidates and speaking on the nation's race relation issues.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that the members of this body commend Mrs. Shirley Sherrod for her commitment and dedication to this nation, applaud her years of service to minority farmers, and invite her to be recognized by the House of Representatives at a date and time to be determined by the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

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 Mrs. Shirley Sherrod.