2026 SESSION

INTRODUCED

26108364D

HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 273

Offered March 5, 2026

Celebrating the life of Michael Antoine Newsome.

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Patrons—Dougherty, Bulova, Cole, J.G., Cousins, Downey, Guzman, Hayes, LeVere Bolling, McQuinn, Mehta, Nivar, Pope Adams, Schmidt, Scott, D., Thomas and Willett

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WHEREAS, Michael Antoine Newsome, a highly admired member of the Richmond community who enjoyed a long and distinguished career with Virginia Commonwealth University, died on February 7, 2026; and

WHEREAS, a native of New York City, Michael “Mike” Antoine Newsome graduated from Virginia Union University (VUU) in 1983, earning a bachelor's degree in business administration; he remained a proud alumnus of the institution throughout his life and served as president of the VUU National Alumni Association; and

WHEREAS, as a student at VUU, Mike Newsome joined the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Alpha Gamma Chapter, then continued to uphold the organization's mission as a member of the Richmond (VA) Alumni Chapter, in which he held numerous leadership roles over the years, including first polemarch; and

WHEREAS, Mike Newsome worked for Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) for more than 40 years, ultimately becoming Senior Associate Vice President for Research Finance and Administration in the Office of Research and Innovation; he served as treasurer of VCU's Black Education Association and was a member of its Community Engagement Council, along with other organizations to promote scholarship and community leadership; and

WHEREAS, Mike Newsome inspired others through his genuine warmth, unwavering commitment to service, and steady leadership, and he worked diligently to create a stable and supportive environment at VCU that allowed generations of students to achieve their fullest potential; and

WHEREAS, Mike Newsome was active in the community through his outreach work with his church, Speaking Spirit Ministries, and he operated a health business through Blue Moon Wellness, where he helped people understand how to tailor their diet to their blood type and how to use detox methods for optimal health; and

WHEREAS, Mike Newsome will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his wife of nearly 31 years, Patricia; his sons, Jayson and Aaron; 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 Michael Antoine Newsome; 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 Michael Antoine Newsome as an expression of the House of Delegates' respect for his memory.