WHEREAS, the James Farmer Multicultural Center at the University of Mary Washington celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2020; and
WHEREAS, originally designated the Multicultural Center when it was created in 1990, the facility was later renamed the James Farmer Multicultural Center in 1998; and
WHEREAS, in an effort to keep the legacy and history of Dr. James Farmer alive, the director, Dr. Marion Sanford; associate director, JoAnna Raucci; and assistant director, Chris Williams have worked tirelessly to develop and enhance the center over the years; and
WHEREAS, the work of the staff of the James Farmer Multicultural Center has been highlighted on radio, in newspaper interviews, and through other mediums, promoting community awareness of the organization's endeavors; and
WHEREAS, the James Farmer Multicultural Center has worked to establish a historical marker at the old bus station located at the intersection of Princess Anne and Wolf Streets in Fredericksburg to commemorate one of the first stops used by the Freedom Riders during the civil rights demonstrations lasting from May to December 1961; and
WHEREAS, the James Farmer Multicultural Center works with students of the University of Mary Washington to build a welcoming, supportive, and vibrant environment for underrepresented students to enhance and defend their social, intellectual, and leadership pursuits; and
WHEREAS, the James Farmer Multicultural Center administers outreach campaigns that educate students of the University of Mary Washington about different cultures and that cultivate cultural learning; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That the James Farmer Multicultural Center hereby be commended for its work to promote equity, justice, and liberation for all peoples on the occasion of its 30th anniversary; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the James Farmer Multicultural Center as an expression of the House of Delegates' admiration for the center's commitment to bringing attention to the work of civil rights advocates and its continued mission to educate and promote multiculturalism, diversity, and social justice.