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2018 SESSION

18106655D
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 58
Offered February 6, 2018
Commending William H. Milligan, Jr.
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Patron-- Hayes
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WHEREAS, William H. Milligan, Jr., a passionate educator and devoted mentor who broke down barriers for his fellow African American architectural professionals, has served the Hampton Roads community for nearly 60 years; and

WHEREAS, a lifelong citizen of the Commonwealth, William “Bill” H. Milligan, Jr., was born in Norfolk and attended Norfolk Public Schools, graduating from Booker T. Washington High School; he later earned a bachelor’s degree from the Hampton Institute before serving his country in the United States Army; and

WHEREAS, after his honorable military service, Bill Milligan began his long and fulfilling career as an architect, educator, mentor, and philanthropist when he joined what is now known as The Livas Group, Inc., the only African American-owned architectural firm in the area at the time and one of the oldest active African American-owned businesses on the East Coast; and

WHEREAS, from 1960 to 1964, Bill Milligan was the only employee of the Norfolk office of The Livas Group, handling all work and acquisitions of new business at a time when the firm could only serve members of the African American community; and

WHEREAS, Bill Milligan also served as a substitute art teacher at I. C. Norcom High School in Portsmouth, where he inspired countless students to study art and architecture and provided them with unique learning and career opportunities through The Livas Group; and

WHEREAS, in the 1970s, Bill Milligan helped The Livas Group expand to incorporate interior design and landscape architecture and planning; in addition to work with residences, churches, funeral homes, as well as housing and commercial buildings, the firm has completed projects at several historically black colleges and universities and the award-winning restoration of the Crispus Attucks Cultural Center in Norfolk; and

WHEREAS, Bill Milligan has been involved with the Norfolk Alumni Chapter (NAC) of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity since 1963 and has held several key leadership positions and attended all national conventions; and

WHEREAS, Bill Milligan has donated generously to many programs and organizations supporting young people and students in Hampton Roads, including the NAC-Save Our Youth Foundation, Inc., which presented him with a Life Time Achievement award at its First Annual Clarence F. Nelson, Jr. Black History Month Achievement and Scholarship Program event in 2018; and

WHEREAS, a proud family man, Bill Milligan enjoys the love and support of his wife of 52 years, Ada, and their two children and their families; he is a faithful member of St. John’s African Methodist Episcopal Church, where he serves as trustee emeritus; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That William H. Milligan, Jr., hereby be commended for his legacy of service to students, architects, and all members of the Hampton Roads community; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to William H. Milligan, Jr., as an expression of the House of Delegates’ admiration for his achievements and contributions to the residents of Hampton Roads.