SR 411: Johnson, Jr., Handy; recognize

Senate Resolution 411

By: Senators Orrock of the 36th, Jones II of the 22nd, Mallow of the 2nd, Jackson of the 41st, Halpern of the 39th and others

A RESOLUTION

Recognizing and commending Handy Johnson, Jr.; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, Handy Johnson, Jr., has long been recognized by the citizens of this state for the vital role that he has played in leadership and his deep personal commitment to the welfare of the citizens of Georgia; and

WHEREAS, he has diligently and conscientiously devoted innumerable hours of his time, talents, and energy toward the betterment of his community and state as evidenced dramatically by his superlative service within the West End Neighborhood; and

WHEREAS, in 1971, Handy and his late wife Lois purchased and restored a historic house in West End, and along with their two daughters, Jessica and Ursula, The Johnson's made this neighborhood their home; and

WHEREAS, Handy enrolled in the University of Georgia College of Environment and Design and received a master's degree in landscape architecture, making history as the first African American to be awarded a graduate degree from that program; and

WHEREAS, his thesis was "Neighborhood Revitalization: An Analysis of Neighborhood Conditions in Atlanta's West End," and it helped to solidify the structure of the emerging West End Neighborhood Development (WEND) organization; and

WHEREAS, over the years, he served in various leadership positions in WEND as well as with the Beautification and Environmental Health Committee, the Piedmont Park Conservancy, the Atlanta Urban Design, the Joel Chandler Harris Association (Wren's Nest), the Atlanta Preservation Center, and the City of Atlanta Comprehensive Historic Resources Survey Steering Committee; and

WHEREAS, for 34 years, Handy worked with the State of Georgia Department of Natural Resources in the Division of Planning and Research undertaking statewide planning efforts and developing numerous parks around the state; and

WHEREAS, Handy's significant organizational and leadership talents, remarkable patience and diplomacy, keen sense of vision, and sensitivity to the needs of the citizens of this state have earned him the respect and admiration of his community; and

WHEREAS, he is a person of magnanimous strengths with an unimpeachable reputation for integrity, intelligence, fairness, and kindness; and

WHEREAS, it is abundantly fitting and proper that the outstanding accomplishments of this remarkable and distinguished Georgian be appropriately recognized.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body recognize and commend Handy Johnson, Jr., for his efficient, effective, unselfish, and dedicated public service to the State of Georgia and extend the most sincere best wishes for continued health and happiness.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to Handy Johnson, Jr.