HR74: HR74 Lowery, Dr. Evelyn Gibson; condolences

25 LC 112 2783 House Resolution 74 By: Representatives McClain of the 109th, Hugley of the 141st, Cannon of the 58th, Bazemore of the 69th, Williams of the 168th, and others A RESOLUTION Honoring the life and memory of Dr. Evelyn Gibson Lowery; and for other purposes.1 WHEREAS, Dr. Evelyn Gibson Lowery was the quintessential civil rights wife, woman, and2 warrior, remembered as a wise woman of substance who helped sha pe the Movement3 alongside her lifelong husband and Civil Rights Leader, Rev. Dr. Joseph E. Lowery; and4 WHEREAS, understanding the often-overlooked contributions of women to the Civil Rights5 Movement and passionately dedicating her life to correcting thi s lack of recognition, Dr.6 Evelyn Gibson Lowery founded SCLC/W.O.M.E.N. Inc. (Women's Orga nizational7 Movement for Equality Now Inc.) in 1979 to create inter-generational programs addressing8 health disparities, human rights, social action, and economic self-sufficiency while fostering9 leadership development impacting women, children, and families; and10 WHEREAS, Dr. Lowery spearheaded countless groundbreaking initia tives, including the11 establishment of the first National Conference on the Survival of the Black Family in 1980,12 followed by a national youth conference the next year, and the creation of the Drum Major13 for Justice Awards Banquet on April 4, 1980, to honor the contr ibutions of others in the14 Movement; and15 H. R. 74 - 1 - 25 LC 112 2783 WHEREAS, recognizing the disparities in health education and outcomes affecting African16 Americans, Dr. Lowery championed AIDS/HIV education through con ferences, sermons,17 litanies, and other religious resources, ensuring the African A merican community was18 informed and empowered to address these challenges; and19 WHEREAS, in 1987, Dr. Evelyn Gibson Lowery founded the "Original" Evelyn G. Lowery20 Civil Rights Heritage Tour, a two-day motor coach journey throu ghout Alabama, which21 erected 13 monuments along the civil rights trail to honor the legacy of key leaders and22 ensure their contributions were never forgotten; and23 WHEREAS, Dr. Lowery expanded the scope of SCLC/W.O.M.E.N. Inc. with initiatives such24 as the Women's Empowerment Training Center for GED and computer training in 1988, the25 Bridging the Gap Girls to Women mentoring program in 1995, and other programs26 addressing the needs of the disenfranchised, regardless of ethn icity, religion, gender, or27 sexual orientation; and28 WHEREAS, Dr. Evelyn Gibson Lowery radiated grace, quiet strengt h, humor, and29 determination as she directed a team of volunteers, remaining deeply involved in every detail30 of SCLC/W.O.M.E.N. Inc.'s actions and inspiring others with her commitment to justice,31 equity, and service; and32 WHEREAS, her efforts and contributions as an unsung hero of the Civil Rights Movement33 continue to motivate and uplift the Board of Directors, staff, members, and supporters of34 SCLC/W.O.M.E.N. Inc. as they strive to carry forward her vision of empowerment and35 equality; and36 H. R. 74 - 2 - 25 LC 112 2783 WHEREAS, on November 19, 1994, the SCLC/W.O.M.E.N. Inc. Trainin g Center was37 formally dedicated as a beacon of hope and a vital resource for education, empowerment, and38 leadership development, embodying the values and vision of Dr. Evelyn Gibson Lowery; and39 WHEREAS, it is abundantly fitting and proper to honor the extra ordinary life and40 contributions of Dr. Evelyn Gibson Lowery, ensuring that her sp irit of service and41 commitment to justice are celebrated for generations to come.42 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that43 the members of this body honor the life and memory of Dr. Evely n Gibson Lowery and44 express the most sincere gratitude for her unparalleled contributions to civil rights and her45 enduring dedication to building stronger, more equitable communities.46 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized47 and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution avai lable for distribution to the48 public and the press.49 H. R. 74 - 3 -