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2011 SESSION


HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 559
Celebrating the life of Hermanze Edwin Fauntleroy, Jr., first African-American mayor in the Commonwealth.

 

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, January 14, 2011
Agreed to by the Senate, January 20, 2011

 

WHEREAS, Hermanze Edwin Fauntleroy, Jr., native son, was born on August 7, 1932, and peacefully departed this life on October 30, 2010, was educated in the Petersburg public schools and continued his education at Virginia State University, where he received both his baccalaureate and master of arts degrees; and

WHEREAS, Hermanze Edwin Fauntleroy, Jr., served his country with honor and distinction for 32 years in the United States Army, which included a tour of duty in Korea, and retired from the 80th Division of the 300th Area Support Group Reserve unit at Fort Lee as Commander and decorated Colonel, having received the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious service; and

WHEREAS, as a classroom teacher in the Sussex County Public Schools, Hermanze Edwin Fauntleroy, Jr., taught physics and mathematics; later he taught electronics and physics at Peabody High School in Petersburg for 10 years; he was forced to resign from his teaching career when he was elected to Petersburg City Council; and after winning his election to the Petersburg City Council, he became director of the Alumni Association at Virginia State University and the school's first Development Officer; and

WHEREAS, Hermanze Edwin Fauntleroy, Jr.’s, professional career also included Seward Luggage, Uni-Serv Director of the Virginia Education Association for Southside, and proprietor of White Stores Electronics; and

WHEREAS, a 20-year veteran of the Petersburg City Council, Hermanze Edwin Fauntleroy, Jr., became the city's and the Commonwealth's first African-American mayor in 1973; and

WHEREAS, Hermanze Edwin Fauntleroy, Jr., is credited with the current format with which Petersburg City Council conducts its meetings, with becoming the first African-American businessman on Sycamore Street, and with leading the Petersburg 2007 Civil Rights Oral History Project, in which interviews of civil rights leaders in the city have been recorded for historical and educational purposes; and

WHEREAS, Hermanze Edwin Fauntleroy, Jr., together with his wife of 57 years, was an avid civil rights activist who worked tirelessly to ensure the integration of Petersburg Public Schools; and

WHEREAS, Hermanze Edwin Fauntleroy, Jr., whose passion for civic duty and total devotion and commitment to the City of Petersburg and its citizens were well-known, was actively involved in numerous boards, commissions, organizations, and special projects, including serving as past chairman of the Petersburg Planning Commission; past Basileus of Delta Omega Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.; the Right Worshipful Grand Secretary, Emeritus, Eureka Lodge #15, Prince Hall Masons of Virginia, Inc.; charter member and past president of the Beaux-Twenty Club, Inc.; charter member and past president of the Howard L. Baugh Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen, Inc.; member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People; and lifetime member of Gillfield Baptist Church, where he served as the first Moderator of the congregation for nine years and as a member of the Men's Choir; and

WHEREAS, Hermanze Edwin Fauntleroy, Jr., was loved, admired, and respected by his family, friends, colleagues, and the people of Petersburg; his many contributions, sacrifices, and service are a testament to public service and his memory will be cherished by all who loved and knew him; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of Hermanze Edwin Fauntleroy, Jr., native son and the first African-American mayor of Petersburg and in the Commonwealth; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Hermanze Edwin Fauntleroy, Jr., as an expression of the General Assembly's appreciation of his dedicated service to the Commonwealth and abiding respect for his memory.