HR1553: HR1553 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

26 LC 129 1339 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 her1 role in advancing civil rights, community development, economic empowerment, and2 leadership in the Macon-Bibb region; and for other purposes.3 WHEREAS, Ms. Pearlie Toliver was a distinguished Mercer Univers ity alumna who, in4 1965, enrolled in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and became one of the first Black5 female students to help integrate the university during a pivotal era in higher education and6 civil rights; and7 WHEREAS, Mercer University was among the first private colleges in Georgia to8 voluntarily desegregate, and Ms. Toliver’s courage to attend and persevere in a climate of9 intense social and racial challenge stands as a testament to her character and commitment to10 equality; and11 WHEREAS, prior to attending Mercer University, Ms. Toliver was also among the first12 African American students to be involved in integrating public schools in Macon-Bibb13 County, breaking barriers and setting an example for future generations; and14 H. R. 1553 - 1 - 26 LC 129 1339 WHEREAS, during Mercer’s 2023 Founders’ Day celebration marking the 60th anniversary15 of the university’s integration, Ms. Toliver returned to delive r an inspirational address16 reflecting on her experiences, resilience, personal growth, and dedication to academic17 excellence and community service; and18 WHEREAS, following her graduation, Ms. Toliver enjoyed a succes sful and impactful19 37-year career in retail banking and mortgage lending, including service as vice president for20 Branch Banking and Trust Co., where she advanced community reinvestment initiatives that21 helped racially and economically revitalize neighborhoods in Macon; and22 WHEREAS, Ms. Toliver actively served her community and state through leadership roles23 on numerous boards and commissions, including chairing the Boar d of Commissioners of24 the Macon Housing Authority, participating on the Bibb County Consolidated Government25 Transition Team, and contributing to the Georgia Tobacco Commis sion, Georgia Student26 Finance Commission, and other civic and educational bodies; and27 WHEREAS, a lifelong proponent of leadership development, Ms. To liver graduated from28 Leadership Macon in 1985 and later received the Robert F. Hatch er Distinguished29 Leadership Award, Women of Achievement Award, and the Liberty B ell Award from the30 Macon Bar Association in recognition of her exemplary service and influence; and31 WHEREAS, she was a lifetime member of the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce and32 served on local and state boards for the League of Women Voters, actively promoting civic33 engagement, economic empowerment, and financial security for all citizens.34 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that35 the members of this body commend Ms. Pearlie Toliver for her extraordinary life of service,36 H. R. 1553 - 2 - 26 LC 129 1339 her role in advancing civil rights and educational access, and her lasting contributions to the37 economic and social fabric of the Macon-Bibb region.38 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized39 and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to Ms.40 Pearlie Toliver.41 H. R. 1553 - 3 -