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2005 SESSION
054235756Patrons-- Marsh, Deeds, Edwards, Houck, Lambert, Locke, Lucas, Miller, Puckett, Puller, Reynolds, Ticer and Whipple
WHEREAS, pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 73 (2004), the General Assembly designated 2004 and 2005 as Brown v. Board of Education years in Virginia, and directed the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Commission to continue the planning and statewide coordination and leadership to commemorate this landmark Supreme Court decision; and
WHEREAS, the Commission organized the Brown v. Board of Education 50th Anniversary Steering Committee composed of educators, historians, researchers, legal professionals, citizens, and representatives of various professional associations, law schools, federal, state, and local elected officials, state and local agencies, public and private schools, community organizations, and public and private institutions of higher education from across the Commonwealth to assist with the Commission's work; and
WHEREAS, the Commission was required to ensure the participation of students and persons of diverse racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds in the commemorative programs and activities; and
WHEREAS, the Commission collaborated with the Virginia Education Association (VEA) to encourage public schools to participate in the National Education Association's (NEA) commemorative program, "Horizons of Opportunity: Celebrating 50 Years of Brown v. Board of Education, May 17, 1954-2004", through the VEA's Fitz Turner Commission art and essay contests; and
WHEREAS, students were encouraged to write essays and complete artwork that illustrated their perspectives concerning the historic Brown decision, and in April 2004, the VEA announced Virginia's student winners of the art and essay contests; and
WHEREAS, the Commission commends the following student winners for their time, effort, and willingness to share their insights on this historic decision with the people of the Commonwealth:
WHEREAS, the efforts of these student winners affirm the promise of equal opportunity to obtain a high quality education and excellent schools for all children inherent in Brown; and
WHEREAS, significant educational, social, and cultural achievements and benefits, racial harmony, and appreciation for different viewpoints can be attained to improve the quality of life for all persons when students of diverse racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds are taught together in public school and college classrooms; and
WHEREAS, it is fitting that Virginia's student winners of the art and essay contests be recognized and commended for their outstanding achievements, and be exhorted to continue to pursue academic excellence; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Virginia's student winners of the National Education Association and Virginia Education Association Art and Essay Contest, "Horizons of Opportunity: Celebrating 50 Years of Brown v. Board of Education, May 17, 1954-2004"; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the president of the Virginia Education Association, requesting that she further disseminate copies of this resolution to Virginia's student winners of the art and essay contests in order that they may be apprised of the General Assembly's pride and congratulations for their outstanding achievements.