2026 SESSION

INTRODUCED

26107931D

HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 299

Offered March 5, 2026

Commending the Reverend Dr. Kevin G. Swann.

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Patron—Thornton

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WHEREAS, for more than 20 years, the Reverend Dr. Kevin G. Swann has greatly served the community and his congregation as the pastor of Ivy Baptist Church in Newport News; and

WHEREAS, Kevin Swann works tirelessly to address the spiritual, social, and physical needs of individuals and families both in the East End neighborhood of Newport News and throughout the city; and

WHEREAS, Kevin Swann spearheads a weekly feeding program, as well as a Thanksgiving outreach event, that helps nourish and support hundreds of vulnerable families, seniors, and unhoused individuals; and

WHEREAS, Kevin Swann has partnered with Newport News Public Schools to establish a number of youth programs that contribute to the growth and development of young people, and he has worked with the Newport News Police Department for several years to promote community awareness, trust, and public safety; and

WHEREAS, Kevin Swann has fostered the health and well-being of individuals in need by improving their access to medical care, including through a partnership with Sentara Health Systems that led to four COVID-19 vaccination clinics serving more than 3,000 people and a mobile unit that provides a variety of health services; and

WHEREAS, in 2019, Kevin Swann launched the fundraising initiative Operation Bless the Community, which has provided more than $230,000 to date to assist dozens of organizations serving the residents of Newport News; and

WHEREAS, Kevin Swann established the nonprofit organization Ivy Community Outreach in 2019 to address vital community challenges and provide support to those most in need through clothing drives, youth mentorship, and financial wellness education, bridging gaps faced by underserved populations by providing access to essential services, opportunities, and resources; and

WHEREAS, Kevin Swann has demonstrated extraordinary leadership and compassion in his devotion to uplifting others and has made a profound and lasting impact on the Newport News community; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That the Reverend Dr. Kevin G. Swann, pastor of Ivy Baptist Church, hereby be commended for his legacy of service; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Reverend Dr. Kevin G. Swann as an expression of the House of Delegates' admiration for his contributions to Newport News and the Commonwealth.