House Resolution 1637
By: Representatives Scott of the 76th, Bell of the 75th, and Neal of the 79th
A RESOLUTION
Honoring C. Synamon Baldwin as a Phenomenal Woman of Bold Leadership, courage, and
unwavering commitment to justice; and for other purposes.
WHEREAS, C. Synamon Baldwin, President of the National Association for the
Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Clayton County Branch, has exemplified fearless
leadership, principled advocacy, and steadfast devotion to the advancement of political,
educational, social, and economic equality; and
WHEREAS, at the tender age of thirteen, a classroom assignment–100 Years of Lynching
by Ralph Ginzburg– opened her eyes to the brutal realities of racism in America, igniting a
lifelong fire for justice and awakening in her a righteous determination to confront
oppression with courage and conviction; and
WHEREAS, raised in Detroit by parents deeply engaged in the Civil Rights Movement, she
inherited both the strength of protest and the discipline of strategy that was guided by the
influence of her father, Leonard Baldwin, a friend of Malcolm X, and her mother, Thelma
Baldwin, who embraced the nonviolent philosophy of Martin Luther King Jr.; and
WHEREAS, in 1977, upon relocating to Atlanta, she joined West Hunter Street Baptist
Church under the leadership of civil rights icon Ralph David Abernathy Sr., who became her
mentor and helped refine her understanding that "protest politics educates and mobilizes, and
electoral politics secures protection under the law"; and
WHEREAS, following a near-fatal automobile accident in 2003 and a two-year recovery, she
emerged stronger and more determined than ever, co-founding the Clayton Homeowners
Association alongside her Aunt Judy Heard to promote civic literacy, community
engagement, and direct access to elected officials, empowering residents with the knowledge
of how and where to seek redress and accountability; and
WHEREAS, in 2010, inspired by a conversation with her grandson about stepping into
leadership when the time calls, she answered that same call herself, assuming the presidency
of the Clayton County Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored
People and leading with integrity, nonpartisanship, and an unwavering commitment to voter
education, voter registration, and civic empowerment; and
WHEREAS, under her bold stewardship, the chapter has strengthened educational and youth
development initiatives, including expanding participation in the NAACP's Afro-Academic,
Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO), cultivating academic excellence,
artistic achievement, and leadership among African-American youth; and
WHEREAS, her advocacy has extended beyond local borders through the reestablishment
of NAACP Prison Branches within the Southeast Region Bureau of Prisons, affirming that
justice and dignity must reach even the most marginalized among us; and
WHEREAS, as a trusted political consultant at the local, county, state, and federal levels, she
has helped shape campaigns and leaders while maintaining the NAACP's proud tradition of
nonpartisan service; and
WHEREAS, on May 1, 2026, she will launch the Baldwin Abernathy Bottoms Collective,
ensuring that her legacy of strategic advocacy, civic engagement, and intergenerational
empowerment continues for generations to come; and
WHEREAS, now completing her fifth and final term as chapter president, C. Synamon
Baldwin leaves a distinguished legacy defined by unapologetic service, moral courage,
steadfast faith, and deep pride in community; and
WHEREAS, above all, she is a devoted grandmother to Detronia Irby, IV, and Raynard
Selassie Lanier, III, whose love fuels her life's mission and whose future inspires her fearless
obedience to God and relentless pursuit of justice.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that
the members of this body recognize C. Synamon Baldwin as a Phenomenal Woman of Bold
Leadership, whose life reflects the highest ideals of courage, faith, community service, and
transformational leadership.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that her extraordinary contributions to Clayton County, the
State of Georgia, and the broader movement for civil and human rights are celebrated,
honored, and commended with deepest appreciation and respect.
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 C.
Synamon Baldwin.