HR 1553: Toliver, Ms. Pearlie; life, leadership, and enduring contributions; role in advancing civil rights, community development, economic empowerment, and leadership in the Macon-Bibb region; commend

House Resolution 1553

By: Representatives Herring of the 145th, Jones of the 143rd, and Paris of the 142nd

A RESOLUTION

Commending the life, leadership, and enduring contributions of Ms. Pearlie Toliver and her role in advancing civil rights, community development, economic empowerment, and leadership in the Macon-Bibb region; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, Ms. Pearlie Toliver was a distinguished Mercer University alumna who, in 1965, enrolled in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and became one of the first Black female students to help integrate the university during a pivotal era in higher education and civil rights; and

WHEREAS, Mercer University was among the first private colleges in Georgia to voluntarily desegregate, and Ms. Toliver’s courage to attend and persevere in a climate of intense social and racial challenge stands as a testament to her character and commitment to equality; and

WHEREAS, prior to attending Mercer University, Ms. Toliver was also among the first African American students to be involved in integrating public schools in Macon-Bibb County, breaking barriers and setting an example for future generations; and

WHEREAS, during Mercer’s 2023 Founders’ Day celebration marking the 60th anniversary of the university’s integration, Ms. Toliver returned to deliver an inspirational address reflecting on her experiences, resilience, personal growth, and dedication to academic excellence and community service; and

WHEREAS, following her graduation, Ms. Toliver enjoyed a successful and impactful 37-year career in retail banking and mortgage lending, including service as vice president for Branch Banking and Trust Co., where she advanced community reinvestment initiatives that helped racially and economically revitalize neighborhoods in Macon; and

WHEREAS, Ms. Toliver actively served her community and state through leadership roles on numerous boards and commissions, including chairing the Board of Commissioners of the Macon Housing Authority, participating on the Bibb County Consolidated Government Transition Team, and contributing to the Georgia Tobacco Commission, Georgia Student Finance Commission, and other civic and educational bodies; and

WHEREAS, a lifelong proponent of leadership development, Ms. Toliver graduated from Leadership Macon in 1985 and later received the Robert F. Hatcher Distinguished Leadership Award, Women of Achievement Award, and the Liberty Bell Award from the Macon Bar Association in recognition of her exemplary service and influence; and

WHEREAS, she was a lifetime member of the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce and served on local and state boards for the League of Women Voters, actively promoting civic engagement, economic empowerment, and financial security for all citizens.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that the members of this body commend Ms. Pearlie Toliver for her extraordinary life of service, her role in advancing civil rights and educational access, and her lasting contributions to the economic and social fabric of the Macon-Bibb region.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to Ms. Pearlie Toliver.