2026 SESSION

INTRODUCED

26106460D

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 119

Offered February 20, 2026

Celebrating the life of Edward Douglas Harris.

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Patrons—Deeds; Delegates: Callsen and Laufer

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WHEREAS, Edward Douglas Harris, a highly admired community leader in Charlottesville, died on December 28, 2025; and

WHEREAS, Edward “Eddie” Harris, also fondly known by some as “Ducey,” attended Charlottesville City Schools, where he thrived under the mentorship of many outstanding educators, who inspired him to pursue a life of service; and

WHEREAS, Eddie Harris demonstrated profound resilience, overcoming personal and systemic challenges to become a trusted mentor who brought joy to others through his kindness, compassion, and determination; and

WHEREAS, Eddie Harris touched many lives through his work with the ReadyKids Real Dads program, through which he supported children with incarcerated fathers and helped incarcerated men maintain responsible and engaged relationships with their families; and

WHEREAS, in 2011, Eddie Harris founded Vinegar Hill Magazine, which began as a grassroots newsletter and has grown into a full periodical that celebrates the achievements of the Black community and provides inclusive social narratives and outlooks; and

WHEREAS, under the leadership of Eddie Harris, Vinegar Hill Magazine has become a vital cultural institution, reaching thousands of readers and fostering a new generation of writers, artists, and activists dedicated to preserving Black history and promoting social equity; and

WHEREAS, among many accolades for his personal and professional achievements, Eddie Harris received the 2020 Alicia B. Lugo Award for his work to uplift Black residents of Charlottesville and build a strong sense of community spirit; and

WHEREAS, Eddie Harris will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his son, Ricco, and his family; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of Edward Douglas Harris; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Edward Douglas Harris as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for his memory.