HR 371: 2025 Georgia Single Parent "Legacy Builders" Recognition and Award finalists, "Overcomer Founder" Award, "Ruth Brewster Endurance" Award, and Historian Award recipients for their achievements; commend

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.