HR1637: HR1637 Baldwin, C. Synamon; Phenomenal Woman of Bold Leadership, courage, and unwavering commitment to justice; commend

26 LC 129 1353 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, and1 unwavering commitment to justice; and for other purposes.2 WHEREAS, C. Synamon Baldwin, President of the National Associat ion for the3 Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Clayton County Branch, has exemplified fearless4 leadership, principled advocacy, and steadfast devotion to the advancement of political,5 educational, social, and economic equality; and6 WHEREAS, at the tender age of thirteen, a classroom assignment–100 Years of Lynching7 by Ralph Ginzburg– opened her eyes to the brutal realities of racism in America, igniting a8 lifelong fire for justice and awakening in her a righteous dete rmination to confront9 oppression with courage and conviction; and10 WHEREAS, raised in Detroit by parents deeply engaged in the Civil Rights Movement, she11 inherited both the strength of protest and the discipline of st rategy that was guided by the12 influence of her father, Leonard Baldwin, a friend of Malcolm X, and her mother, Thelma13 Baldwin, who embraced the nonviolent philosophy of Martin Luther King Jr.; and14 H. R. 1637 - 1 - 26 LC 129 1353 WHEREAS, in 1977, upon relocating to Atlanta, she joined West H unter Street Baptist15 Church under the leadership of civil rights icon Ralph David Abernathy Sr., who became her16 mentor and helped refine her understanding that "protest politics educates and mobilizes, and17 electoral politics secures protection under the law"; and18 WHEREAS, following a near-fatal automobile accident in 2003 and a two-year recovery, she19 emerged stronger and more determined than ever, co-founding the Clayton Homeowners20 Association alongside her Aunt Judy Heard to promote civic lite racy, community21 engagement, and direct access to elected officials, empowering residents with the knowledge22 of how and where to seek redress and accountability; and23 WHEREAS, in 2010, inspired by a conversation with her grandson about stepping into24 leadership when the time calls, she answered that same call herself, assuming the presidency25 of the Clayton County Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored26 People and leading with integrity, nonpartisanship, and an unwavering commitment to voter27 education, voter registration, and civic empowerment; and28 WHEREAS, under her bold stewardship, the chapter has strengthened educational and youth29 development initiatives, including expanding participation in the NAACP's Afro-Academic,30 Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO), cultivating academic excellence,31 artistic achievement, and leadership among African-American youth; and32 WHEREAS, her advocacy has extended beyond local borders through the reestablishment33 of NAACP Prison Branches within the Southeast Region Bureau of Prisons, affirming that34 justice and dignity must reach even the most marginalized among us; and35 H. R. 1637 - 2 - 26 LC 129 1353 WHEREAS, as a trusted political consultant at the local, county, state, and federal levels, she36 has helped shape campaigns and leaders while maintaining the NAACP's proud tradition of37 nonpartisan service; and38 WHEREAS, on May 1, 2026, she will launch the Baldwin Abernathy Bottoms Collective,39 ensuring that her legacy of strategic advocacy, civic engagemen t, and intergenerational40 empowerment continues for generations to come; and41 WHEREAS, now completing her fifth and final term as chapter pre sident, C. Synamon42 Baldwin leaves a distinguished legacy defined by unapologetic s ervice, moral courage,43 steadfast faith, and deep pride in community; and44 WHEREAS, above all, she is a devoted grandmother to Detronia Ir by, IV, and Raynard45 Selassie Lanier, III, whose love fuels her life's mission and whose future inspires her fearless46 obedience to God and relentless pursuit of justice.47 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that48 the members of this body recognize C. Synamon Baldwin as a Phenomenal Woman of Bold49 Leadership, whose life reflects the highest ideals of courage, faith, community service, and50 transformational leadership.51 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that her extraordinary contributions to Clayton County, the52 State of Georgia, and the broader movement for civil and human rights are celebrated,53 honored, and commended with deepest appreciation and respect.54 H. R. 1637 - 3 - 26 LC 129 1353 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized55 and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution ava ilable for distribution to C.56 Synamon Baldwin.57 H. R. 1637 - 4 -