WHEREAS, Emmitt and Vera Fletcher have served and supported communities throughout the Commonwealth through their humanitarian works and advocacy; and

WHEREAS, Emmitt "Joe" and Vera Fletcher both obtained bachelor's degrees in social work from Norfolk State University, where they met in 1972; and

WHEREAS, Vera Fletcher led the initiative to rename Mills E. Godwin Middle School in Dale City to George Hampton Middle School, with more than 450 people from all backgrounds speaking in support of renaming the school; and

WHEREAS, Joe Fletcher has worked diligently to advocate for the restoration of voting rights for felons, believing strongly in the importance of rehabilitating formerly incarcerated people and supporting their reintegration into society; and

WHEREAS, among the couple's many achievements, Joe and Vera Fletcher have been champions for voting rights and have personally helped to register nearly 2,000 people to vote; and

WHEREAS, in January 2020, the Fletchers received a Human Rights Award from the Prince William Human Rights Commission; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That Emmitt and Vera Fletcher hereby be commended for their legacy of service and advocacy for people in need; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Emmitt and Vera Fletcher as an expression of the House of Delegates' admiration for their achievements in service to the residents of the Commonwealth.