2026 SESSION

INTRODUCED

26104751D

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 154

Offered February 18, 2026

Commending the Greater Richmond Virginia Chapter of the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society, Inc.

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Patrons—Cousins, Bulova, Carr, Cole, J.G., McPike, McQuinn and Schmidt

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WHEREAS, the Greater Richmond Virginia Chapter of the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society, Inc., one of 36 esteemed chapters of a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving African-ancestored family history and genealogy and fostering scholarly research and writing, celebrated its 15th anniversary on December 15, 2025; and

WHEREAS, the Greater Richmond Virginia Chapter of the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society (AAHGS-GRVA) held early organizational meetings at the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia in Richmond and received its official charter from the national organization on October 8, 2010; and

WHEREAS, the charter members of the AAHGS-GRVA were Geneva D. Austin, Viola Osborne Baskerville, Marilyn Campbell, Augustine Carter, Linda D. Cheatham, Patricia and Lawrence Clark, Forrestiner D. and Shequra L. Dickerson, Gloria S. Elam, Laverne Charity Greenhill, Yvonne C. Hopkins, Lorraine P. and Jerome A. Jackson, Sr., Mary C. Lauderdale, La Tika Lee, Nadia I. and Brenda Orton, Viola C. Parson-Sturdevant and Robert Sturdevant, Delores Richards-Madikiza, Bessie Robinson, Faye Robinson-Pearson, Edith L. Shears, Julie V. Shell, William Q.O. Shelton, Sr., Dr. LaVerne Byrd Smith, Sandra Anderson Taylor and James Taylor, Inez Tuck, Edwin B. Washington, Jr., Artile B. White, Bessida Cauthorne White, Leola R. White, Patrina Andrea White, Timothy L. Wilson, Eugena T. and C.F. Younger, and Maureen Elgersman Lee, who was elected to serve as the chapter's first president; and

WHEREAS, since its founding, AAHGS-GRVA's membership has tripled, while its signature partnerships and advocacy efforts have further expanded the chapter's reach and impact within the Richmond and Central Virginia community; and

WHEREAS, over the past 15 years, AAHGS-GRVA has established its reputation for scholarly research and innovative programming, with members who are sought-after presenters and members of lineage societies and other widely recognized genealogical societies; and

WHEREAS, in 2022, AAHGS-GRVA was named “Chapter of the Year” by the national organization of the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society, Inc., for its outstanding programs in support of the organization's mission; and

WHEREAS, guided by its four pillars of community partnerships, active engagement, educational outreach, and research collaborations, AAHGS-GRVA aims to be the premier resource for African American genealogy and history in Central Virginia and beyond; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend the Greater Richmond Virginia Chapter of the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society, Inc., on the occasion of its 15th anniversary; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Greater Richmond Virginia Chapter of the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society, Inc., as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for its efforts to advance the study of African American history and genealogy in Central Virginia and the Commonwealth.