Bill Text: VA HJR684 | 2021 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Commending Ethel L. Grandy.
Spectrum: Strong Partisan Bill (Democrat 12-1)
Status: (Engrossed - Dead) 2021-02-05 - Continued to 2021 Sp. Sess. 1 in Rules [HJR684 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2021-HJR684-Introduced.html
WHEREAS, Ethel L. Grandy, a longtime civic and public health activist in Chesapeake and Hampton Roads, has helped the youth of her community lead positive, fulfilling lives for many years; and
WHEREAS, a prominent and civically engaged member of her community, Ethel Grandy is affectionately known throughout Chesapeake and Hampton Roads as "Mother Grandy"; and
WHEREAS, Ethel Grandy led voter registration drives from a young age and worked with the Oak Grove Civic League beginning in her twenties, ultimately serving the organization as president; and
WHEREAS, a former employee of Chesapeake Public Schools, Ethel Grandy was one of the first African American women to be appointed to serve as an election judge in the City of Chesapeake; and
WHEREAS, guided throughout her life by her deep and abiding faith, Ethel Grandy has served her church in various capacities over the years and was formerly president of a Sunday school union consisting of eight churches in Great Bridge, Greenbrier, and Crestwood; and
WHEREAS, the first woman to serve as president of the Sunday school union, Ethel Grandy promoted the leadership theme of "youth in action" during her tenure and spearheaded two successful antidrug rallies for children in the community; and
WHEREAS, Ethel Grandy built on the momentum of these rallies and founded the organization Families United Against Drugs in 1991, partnering with the City of Chesapeake to educate youth and combat drug abuse; and
WHEREAS, Families United Against Drugs sponsors popular annual rallies and regular workshops and programs that teach young people to avoid drugs and make positive life choices; and
WHEREAS, in addition to regularly speaking before groups at church and youth events, Ethel Grandy often meets with inmates at the Chesapeake Correctional Center and detainees at the local juvenile detention center to offer them spiritual guidance and support; and
WHEREAS, in recognition of her extraordinary service, Ethel Grandy has received numerous awards and accolades from local and national organizations, including the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation Director's Community Leadership Award in 2007 and an honorary doctor of humane letters degree from Old Dominion University in 2008; and
WHEREAS, through her steadfast commitment to the health and well-being of young people, Ethel Grandy has helped make the Commonwealth a wonderful place to live, work, and play; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Ethel L. Grandy, a cherished community leader whose tireless efforts to support young people in Chesapeake and Hampton Roads have made a difference in countless lives; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Ethel L. Grandy as an expression of the General Assembly's high esteem and admiration for her inspirational contributions to the Commonwealth.
