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2015 SESSION
WHEREAS, Gladys Poles Todd, a passionate educator and a leader in the Civil Rights Movement who worked to create new opportunities for African American youths in the Fredericksburg and Stafford County communities, died on January 20, 2015; and
WHEREAS, a native of Washington, D.C., Gladys Todd grew up in Fredericksburg; she attended Fredericksburg Colored School, then attended a boarding school at what is now known as Virginia State University, where she completed the teacher training program and was named Miss Virginia State College; and
WHEREAS, possessed of a desire to share her passion for lifelong learning with others, Gladys Todd began a career as a teacher at a one-room schoolhouse in Stafford County; she went on to teach first grade at Walker-Grant School in Fredericksburg and became a substitute teacher and homeschool coordinator for Fredericksburg City Public Schools; and
WHEREAS, an active leader in the community, Gladys Todd supported the Walker-Grant School band program and the Anne Hamrick Community House; she joined the NAACP and worked tirelessly on its membership and fundraising campaigns, as well as in the youth division; and
WHEREAS, hoping to create new opportunities for young people in the community, Gladys Todd advocated for the creation of a playground for African American children in what is now Hurkamp Park and organized twice-weekly Youth Canteens, featuring theme parties, dances, and tournaments; and
WHEREAS, Gladys Todd also offered her time and wise leadership to the Baptist Training Union, designed Youth Week activities, and formed the We Club to help college students reconnect to the community over breaks; and
WHEREAS, in the 1960s, Gladys Todd became active in the Civil Rights Movement; she joined Citizens United for Action, coordinated sit-ins in the area, and helped elect the first African American Mayor of Fredericksburg; and
WHEREAS, predeceased by her husband, Clarence, Gladys Todd will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by her daughter, Gaye; grandson, Juno; and numerous other family members and friends; 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 Gladys Poles Todd, a dedicated educator and a passionate community leader and organizer; 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 Gladys Poles Todd as an expression of the General Assembly’s respect for her memory.