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.
WHEREAS, Dr. Evelyn Gibson Lowery was the quintessential civil rights wife, woman, and
warrior, remembered as a wise woman of substance who helped shape the Movement
alongside her lifelong husband and Civil Rights Leader, Rev. Dr. Joseph E. Lowery; and
WHEREAS, understanding the often-overlooked contributions of women to the Civil Rights
Movement and passionately dedicating her life to correcting this lack of recognition, Dr.
Evelyn Gibson Lowery founded SCLC/W.O.M.E.N. Inc. (Women's Organizational
Movement for Equality Now Inc.) in 1979 to create inter-generational programs addressing
health disparities, human rights, social action, and economic self-sufficiency while fostering
leadership development impacting women, children, and families; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Lowery spearheaded countless groundbreaking initiatives, including the
establishment of the first National Conference on the Survival of the Black Family in 1980,
followed by a national youth conference the next year, and the creation of the Drum Major
for Justice Awards Banquet on April 4, 1980, to honor the contributions of others in the
Movement; and
WHEREAS, recognizing the disparities in health education and outcomes affecting African
Americans, Dr. Lowery championed AIDS/HIV education through conferences, sermons,
litanies, and other religious resources, ensuring the African American community was
informed and empowered to address these challenges; and
WHEREAS, in 1987, Dr. Evelyn Gibson Lowery founded the "Original" Evelyn G. Lowery
Civil Rights Heritage Tour, a two-day motor coach journey throughout Alabama, which
erected 13 monuments along the civil rights trail to honor the legacy of key leaders and
ensure their contributions were never forgotten; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Lowery expanded the scope of SCLC/W.O.M.E.N. Inc. with initiatives such
as the Women's Empowerment Training Center for GED and computer training in 1988, the
Bridging the Gap Girls to Women mentoring program in 1995, and other programs
addressing the needs of the disenfranchised, regardless of ethnicity, religion, gender, or
sexual orientation; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Evelyn Gibson Lowery radiated grace, quiet strength, humor, and
determination as she directed a team of volunteers, remaining deeply involved in every detail
of SCLC/W.O.M.E.N. Inc.'s actions and inspiring others with her commitment to justice,
equity, and service; and
WHEREAS, her efforts and contributions as an unsung hero of the Civil Rights Movement
continue to motivate and uplift the Board of Directors, staff, members, and supporters of
SCLC/W.O.M.E.N. Inc. as they strive to carry forward her vision of empowerment and
equality; and
WHEREAS, on November 19, 1994, the SCLC/W.O.M.E.N. Inc. Training Center was
formally dedicated as a beacon of hope and a vital resource for education, empowerment, and
leadership development, embodying the values and vision of Dr. Evelyn Gibson Lowery; and
WHEREAS, it is abundantly fitting and proper to honor the extraordinary life and
contributions of Dr. Evelyn Gibson Lowery, ensuring that her spirit of service and
commitment to justice are celebrated for generations to come.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that
the members of this body honor the life and memory of Dr. Evelyn Gibson Lowery and
express the most sincere gratitude for her unparalleled contributions to civil rights and her
enduring dedication to building stronger, more equitable communities.
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 the
public and the press.