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2022 SPECIAL SESSION I

22208011D
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 617
Offered April 5, 2022
Commending Ethel L. Grandy.
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Patron-- Hayes
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WHEREAS, Ethel L. Grandy, an esteemed civic and public health activist who has supported young people in Hampton Roads for many years through various endeavors, celebrates her 100th birthday on June 16, 2022; and

WHEREAS, affectionately known as “Mother Grandy,” Ethel Grandy began her work as an activist and community organizer at a young age, leading voter registration drives in her youth and assisting the Oak Grove Civic League beginning in her twenties, ultimately serving as the organization’s president; and

WHEREAS, Ethel Grandy contributed to the accomplishments of young people both in and out of the classroom while an employee with Chesapeake Public Schools and was notably one of the first African American women to be appointed to serve as an election judge in the City of Chesapeake; and

WHEREAS, guided throughout her life by her faith, Ethel Grandy has served her church in various capacities over the years and shepherded the spiritual maturation of many as the first woman to serve as president of a Sunday school union composed of eight churches in Great Bridge, Greenbrier, and Crestwood; and

WHEREAS, after witnessing the success of rallies she organized while president of the Sunday school union, Ethel Grandy founded the organization Families United Against Drugs in 1991, partnering with the City of Chesapeake to educate youth and combat drug abuse; and

WHEREAS, under Ethel Grandy’s leadership, Families United Against Drugs has sponsored popular annual rallies and regular workshops and programs to encourage young people to make smart choices in the interest of their health and well-being; and

WHEREAS, Ethel Grandy regularly speaks at church and youth events and often meets with both inmates at the Chesapeake Correctional Center and detainees at the local juvenile detention center to offer spiritual counsel and support to those in need; and

WHEREAS, as a testament to her impact, Ethel Grandy has received numerous honors and accolades from local and national organizations, including the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation Director’s Community Leadership Award in 2007 and an honorary doctor of humane letters degree from Old Dominion University in 2008; and

WHEREAS, Ethel Grandy has demonstrated a profound commitment to young people and families in Hampton Roads over the past several decades, making her a pillar of her community and an inspiration to all who know her; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That Ethel L. Grandy, an influential and beloved member of the Hampton Roads community, hereby be commended on the occasion of her 100th birthday; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Ethel L. Grandy as an expression of the House of Delegates’ admiration for her noteworthy life and many contributions to the Commonwealth.