House Resolution 371
By: Representatives Schofield of the 63rd, Lewis-Ward of the 115th, Scott of the 76th, Barnes
of the 86th, and Cameron of the 1st
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing and commending the 2025 Georgia Single Parent "Legacy Builders"
Recognition and Awards finalists, "Overcomer Founder" Award, "Ruth Brewster Endurance"
Award, and Historian Award recipients for their achievements; and for other purposes.
WHEREAS, in recognition of the valuable contributions of single parents in Georgia, House
Resolution 279 was enacted, designating March 21 of each year as Georgia Single Parent
Day; and
WHEREAS, The National Leadership Group Inc., in partnership with former State
Representative Valencia Stovall, identified the need for an annual event, launching the
Georgia Single Parent "Legacy Builders" Recognition and Awards in 2019 to honor the
dedication and accomplishments of single parents, regardless of gender, cultural background,
or economic status; and
WHEREAS, the Georgia Single Parent "Overcomer Founder" Award, established by former
State Representative Valencia Stovall in 2022, recognizes single parents who have triumphed
over significant challenges to provide their children with the opportunity to thrive and
succeed; and
WHEREAS, the Georgia Single Parent "Ruth Brewster Endurance" Award, established by
Mother Ruth Brewster in 2023, honors single parents who persevere through adversity to
create a nurturing, supportive environment for their children's success; and
WHEREAS, the Historian Award, introduced in 2025, celebrates extraordinary single parents
whose remarkable achievements and resilience have defied the odds, broken barriers, and left
a lasting impact, inspiring future generations; and
WHEREAS, 38 outstanding single parents have been nominated for recognition at the 2025
Georgia Single Parent "Legacy Builders" Recognition and Awards event, with the following
awardees: Shayla Lawrence (Education) of Atlanta, April Baylis (Medical & Health) of
Atlanta, Dr. Eddie Gordon (Community Service) of Ellenwood, Shalondra Gurley (Business
Owner) of Hiram, Latasha Frazier (Public Service) of Jonesboro, Tiffanie Bacon
(Faith-Based) of Morrow, and Jyshon Harrell Sr. (Arts & Entertainment) of Loganville; and
WHEREAS, the 2025 Georgia Single Parent "Overcomer Founder" Award recipients are Dr.
Hazel Jay of Riverdale and Christopher Walls of Lithia Springs; and
WHEREAS, the 2025 Georgia Single Parent "Ruth Brewster Endurance" Award recipient
is Rhema Davis of Marietta; and
WHEREAS, the 2025 Georgia Single Parent "Historian" Award recipient is Dr. Melody
Kelley of Sandy Springs; and
WHEREAS, parents devote immeasurable time, energy, and care to raising their children,
ensuring they grow into responsible, productive, and successful adults; and
WHEREAS, the challenges of raising children as a single parent in today's society are
particularly daunting; and
WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper to honor the outstanding accomplishments of these
remarkable individuals for their exemplary contributions and unwavering dedication.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that
the members of this body recognize and commend the recipients of the 2025 Georgia Single
Parent "Legacy Builders" Recognition and Awards for their exceptional role as single-parent
leaders and extend best wishes for continued success.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized
and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution available for distribution to each
of the recipients named herein.