2026 SESSION

INTRODUCED

26107692D

HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 159

Offered February 23, 2026

Celebrating the life of King Salim Khalfani.

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Patrons—McQuinn, Carr, Cole, N.T., Cousins, Hayes, McPike and Ware

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WHEREAS, King Salim Khalfani, an esteemed civil rights activist who advanced equality for all as the longtime executive director of the Virginia State Conference of the NAACP, died on February 9, 2026; and

WHEREAS, after graduating from John F. Kennedy High School in Cleveland, Ohio, and Virginia Union University, King Salim Khalfani embarked on his career as an activist with the Richmond Peace Education Center and Virginians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty; and

WHEREAS, King Salim Khalfani joined the Virginia State Conference of the NAACP as its director of branch and field activities in 1990 and spearheaded the organization's advocacy work both at the General Assembly and by hosting the television program, African Perspective; and

WHEREAS, King Salim Khalfani became the executive director of the Virginia State Conference of the NAACP in 1998 and devoted himself to leading the influential civil rights organization toward the fulfillment of its mission; and

WHEREAS, after stepping down from his role with the NAACP in 2014, King Salim Khalfani continued his advocacy efforts as the director of the Virginia Education Association's UniServ program in Portsmouth and Hampton Roads, as the criminal justice lead for the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy, and as the founder of Americans Resisting Minority and Ethnic Discrimination; and

WHEREAS, King Salim Khalfani secured many important victories in his fight to promote equality in housing, education, the justice system, and more, making a positive and lasting impact on countless lives; and

WHEREAS, King Salim Khalfani will be fondly remembered by his children, Queen and Suten; his father and sister; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Delegates hereby note with great sadness the loss of King Salim Khalfani, a champion for change whose legacy of dedication, compassion, and service will forever inspire all who knew him; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of King Salim Khalfani as an expression of the House of Delegates' respect for his memory.