Bill Text: VA HJR280 | 2020 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Commending Sherman P. Lea.
Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill
Status: (Passed) 2020-03-04 - Bill text as passed House and Senate (HJ280ER) [HJR280 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2020-HJR280-Enrolled.html
WHEREAS, Sherman P. Lea, a trailblazing public servant, was inducted into the Virginia Union University Athletic Hall of Fame for his exceptional achievements as a college football player and contributions to young people as a sports official; and
WHEREAS, Sherman Lea joined the Virginia Union University football team in 1971 and started at center during his junior and senior seasons; and
WHEREAS, in 1973, Sherman Lea helped lead the Virginia Union University Panthers to a 9–1 record and the university's first Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) championship victory in 50 years; and
WHEREAS, after graduating from Virginia Union University, Sherman Lea worked as a football referee for the CIAA, Old Dominion Athletic Conference, and Atlantic Coast Conference, then pursued a career as a probation and parole officer for the Virginia Department of Corrections; and
WHEREAS, combining his experiences in both athletics and law enforcement, Sherman Lea cultivated trust and respect between young people and police officers through a summer outdoor basketball league and an annual basketball tournament; and
WHEREAS, in 2000, Sherman Lea established the Western Virginia Education Classic, which showcased teams from historically black colleges and universities and raised money for Total Action for Progress; and
WHEREAS, desirous to be of further service to the community, Sherman Lea ran for and was elected mayor of Roanoke in 2016; he was instrumental in the negotiations that brought CIAA championship games to the Roanoke Valley; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Sherman P. Lea on his induction into the Virginia Union University Athletic Hall of Fame in 2019; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Sherman P. Lea as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for his athletic achievements and contributions to the Roanoke community.
