25 LC 112 2783
House Resolution 74
By: Representatives McClain of the 109
th
, Hugley of the 141
st
, Cannon of the 58
th
, Bazemore
of the 69
th
, Williams of the 168
th
, and others
A RESOLUTION
Honoring the life and memory of Dr. Evelyn Gibson Lowery; and for other purposes.
1
WHEREAS, Dr. Evelyn Gibson Lowery was the quintessential civil rights wife, woman, and2
warrior, remembered as a wise woman of substance who helped shape the Movement3
alongside her lifelong husband and Civil Rights Leader, Rev. Dr. Joseph E. Lowery; and4
WHEREAS, understanding the often-overlooked contributions of women to the Civil Rights5
Movement and passionately dedicating her life to correcting this lack of recognition, Dr.6
Evelyn Gibson Lowery founded SCLC/W.O.M.E.N. Inc. (Women's Organizational7
Movement for Equality Now Inc.) in 1979 to create inter-generational programs addressing8
health disparities, human rights, social action, and economic self-sufficiency while fostering9
leadership development impacting women, children, and families; and10
WHEREAS, Dr. Lowery spearheaded countless groundbreaking initiatives, including the11
establishment of the first National Conference on the Survival of the Black Family in 1980,12
followed by a national youth conference the next year, and the creation of the Drum Major13
for Justice Awards Banquet on April 4, 1980, to honor the contributions of others in the14
Movement; and15
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WHEREAS, recognizing the disparities in health education and outcomes affecting African
16
Americans, Dr. Lowery championed AIDS/HIV education through conferences, sermons,17
litanies, and other religious resources, ensuring the African American community was18
informed and empowered to address these challenges; and19
WHEREAS, in 1987, Dr. Evelyn Gibson Lowery founded the "Original" Evelyn G. Lowery20
Civil Rights Heritage Tour, a two-day motor coach journey throughout Alabama, which21
erected 13 monuments along the civil rights trail to honor the legacy of key leaders and22
ensure their contributions were never forgotten; and23
WHEREAS, Dr. Lowery expanded the scope of SCLC/W.O.M.E.N. Inc. with initiatives such24
as the Women's Empowerment Training Center for GED and computer training in 1988, the25
Bridging the Gap Girls to Women mentoring program in 1995, and other programs26
addressing the needs of the disenfranchised, regardless of ethnicity, religion, gender, or27
sexual orientation; and28
WHEREAS, Dr. Evelyn Gibson Lowery radiated grace, quiet strength, humor, and29
determination as she directed a team of volunteers, remaining deeply involved in every detail30
of SCLC/W.O.M.E.N. Inc.'s actions and inspiring others with her commitment to justice,31
equity, and service; and32
WHEREAS, her efforts and contributions as an unsung hero of the Civil Rights Movement33
continue to motivate and uplift the Board of Directors, staff, members, and supporters of34
SCLC/W.O.M.E.N. Inc. as they strive to carry forward her vision of empowerment and35
equality; and36
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WHEREAS, on November 19, 1994, the SCLC/W.O.M.E.N. Inc. Training Center was
37
formally dedicated as a beacon of hope and a vital resource for education, empowerment, and38
leadership development, embodying the values and vision of Dr. Evelyn Gibson Lowery; and39
WHEREAS, it is abundantly fitting and proper to honor the extraordinary life and40
contributions of Dr. Evelyn Gibson Lowery, ensuring that her spirit of service and41
commitment to justice are celebrated for generations to come.42
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that43
the members of this body honor the life and memory of Dr. Evelyn Gibson Lowery and44
express the most sincere gratitude for her unparalleled contributions to civil rights and her45
enduring dedication to building stronger, more equitable communities.46
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized47
and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution available for distribution to the48
public and the press.49
H. R. 74
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