HR 1695: Patton, Dr. Beverly Griffin; receiving the 2026 Yellow Rose Nikki T. Randall Servant Leader Award; commend

House Resolution 1695

By: Representatives Campbell of the 35th, Jones of the 60th, Evans of the 57th, Beckles of the 96th, Adeyina of the 110th, and others

A RESOLUTION

Congratulating and commending Dr. Beverly Griffin Patton for receiving the 2026 Yellow Rose Nikki T. Randall Servant Leader Award; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, in 1999, Representative Nikki T. Randall became the first African American female elected to the General Assembly from middle Georgia, and over her 17 years of service as a legislator, she held numerous leadership positions, including chair of the Georgia Legislative Women's Caucus; and

WHEREAS, every year during Women's History Month, the Georgia Legislative Women's Caucus recognizes outstanding women in Georgia who exemplify the leadership and inspiration embodied by Representative Randall; and

WHEREAS, born the sixth of eight children to the late Willis E. and Corrie L. (Rice) Griffin in Acworth, Georgia, Dr. Beverly Griffin Patton is mother to a biological son and granddaughter, Vance Patton and Summer Reign, and a host of other sons, daughters, and grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, a visionary leader, storyteller, and social justice advocate, Dr. Beverly Griffin Patton has transformed the lives of thousands of individuals during her service as Membership Chair and her Lifetime Membership within the NAACP; and

WHEREAS, through her dedication and passion for amplifying the stories of Acworth's Black community members, she has served as Vice-President on Acworth's Historic Preservation Committee, Member of Acworth's Development Authority, and Vice-President of the Old Rosenwald Community Center as well as assisted in the writing of "A Place to Remember," documenting Black life in Acworth; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Beverly Griffin Patton's passion for community service further includes her work to assist Kennesaw State University in recording more than 500 pictures in their archives of Black life in Acworth as well as her active engagement with the United Way, Must Ministry, Barber Middle School, Georgia Democratic Party, P.L.O.G.—Political Ladies of Georgia, North Cobb Senior Center in Acworth, and GirlTrek-National Organization for Self Care of Black Women; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Beverly Griffin Patton received her Bachelor of Theology from Antioch Bible College, masters in Christian Education, doctorate degree in Christian Education, and PhD in Christian Education, all from Antioch College; and

WHEREAS, she was active in her church as a Member of Zion Hill Missionary Baptist in Acworth; served as Sunday School Teacher, Superintendent, Youth Coordinator, Youth Choir, Youth and Adult Usher Boards, and Church Clerk for 37 years; and was later Called and licensed as an Ordained Minister; and

WHEREAS, she is a woman of unassuming greatness whose humble acts of kindness and generosity have uplifted those in need in the Belize and Costa Rica as well as in Acworth; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Beverly Griffin Patton has established a glowing reputation of renown throughout Cobb County and Georgia for her deep personal commitment to the wellbeing of her fellow citizens; and

WHEREAS, it is abundantly fitting and proper that the outstanding accomplishments of this extraordinary servant leader be appropriately recognized.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that the members of this body congratulate and commend Dr. Beverly Griffin Patton for receiving the 2026 Yellow Rose Nikki T. Randall Servant Leadership Award and extend best wishes for her continued success.

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 Dr. Beverly Griffin Patton.