WHEREAS, Antonio Brown, while incarcerated, worked to help rehabilitate other individuals at correctional centers in the Commonwealth and was released from prison early on April 3, 2020, for his exemplary behavior; and

WHEREAS, Antonio "Tony" Brown was convicted of malicious wounding and robbery and sentenced to more than 60 years in prison; and

WHEREAS, during his incarceration, Tony Brown earned the nickname "Mayor Tony" by defusing violent situations peacefully, creating a sense of community, and inspiring people of all races, creeds, and backgrounds to make good choices and seek a path toward rehabilitation; and

WHEREAS, while at Greensville Correctional Center, Tony Brown served as a teacher's aide and math tutor, helping several other inmates achieve GED degrees over the course of 15 years; and

WHEREAS, over the course of 15 years at Greensville Correctional Center, Tony Brown volunteered as a teacher's aide and math tutor, helping several others who were also serving time behind bars to achieve their GED degrees; and

WHEREAS, Tony Brown also worked with the Kairos Prison Ministry Team to build a sense of hope through faith as an Assistant Pastor in Unit S3 of Greensville Correctional Center; and

WHEREAS, Tony Brown became an assistant to the regional librarian at Powhatan Correctional Center, where he helped organize a spelling bee contest and a youth basketball tournament; and

WHEREAS, after 23 years in prison, in recognition of his strength of character and service to others, Tony Brown received a pardon from Governor Ralph Northam; he touched countless lives in Virginia's prison system through his mentorship, leadership, and kindness; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That Antonio Brown hereby be commended for his work to rehabilitate other inmates and give back to his community; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Antonio Brown as an expression of the House of Delegates' admiration for his achievements.