2026 SESSION

ENROLLED

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 168

Commending the Stafford County Branch of the NAACP.

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, March 2, 2026

Agreed to by the Senate, March 5, 2026

WHEREAS, the Stafford County Branch of the NAACP, a distinguished chapter of one of the oldest, largest, and most recognized grassroots civil rights organizations in the country, celebrates its 70th anniversary in 2026; and

WHEREAS, the Stafford County Branch of the NAACP was established at Bethlehem Primitive Baptist Church in 1956, with Frank White, Sr., serving as its first president; and

WHEREAS, the Stafford County Branch of the NAACP has been admirably led by a succession of presidents over the years, including its 11th and current president, Yolanda Roussell, who has helped increase the branch's membership and financial stability over her tenure while spearheading a number of impactful community events; and

WHEREAS, the Stafford County Branch of the NAACP is dedicated to the organization's mission to ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of all persons and eliminate racial hatred and race-based discrimination; and

WHEREAS, the Stafford County Branch of the NAACP has participated in or led several community events in recent years to advocate for its cause, including Stafford Night Out; Juneteenth celebrations; and local fundraisers, holiday events, and political forums; and

WHEREAS, through its Women in the NAACP (WIN) Committee, the Stafford County Branch of the NAACP has encouraged and empowered women to become leaders of their communities; and

WHEREAS, with an unwavering commitment to securing civil rights and equality for all people, the Stafford County Branch of the NAACP has made a positive and lasting mark on the Stafford County community and beyond; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend the Stafford County Branch of the NAACP on the occasion of its 70th anniversary; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Yolanda Roussell, president of the Stafford County Branch of the NAACP, as an expression of the House of Delegates' admiration for the organization's contributions to Stafford County and the Commonwealth.