Bill Text: GA HR262 | 2011-2012 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Sherrod, Mrs. Shirley; commend
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 6-0)
Status: (Passed) 2011-02-10 - House Read and Adopted [HR262 Detail]
Download: Georgia-2011-HR262-Introduced.html
11 LC
94 4015
House
Resolution 262
By:
Representatives Dukes of the
150th,
Fullerton of the
151st,
Brooks of the
63rd,
Williams of the
89th,
Heard of the
114th,
and others
A
RESOLUTION
Recognizing
and commending Mrs. Shirley Sherrod; 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 Commitee, 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 recognize Mrs. Shirley Sherrod for her commitment and dedication to
this nation and commend her years of service to minority farmers.
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.
