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Senate Resolution 411
By: Senators Orrock of the 36th, Jones II of the 22nd, Mallow of the 2nd, Jackson of the
41st, Halpern of the 39th and others
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing and commending Handy Johnson, Jr.; and for other purposes.
1
WHEREAS, Handy Johnson, Jr., has long been recognized by the citizens of this state for2
the vital role that he has played in leadership and his deep personal commitment to the3
welfare of the citizens of Georgia; and4
WHEREAS, he has diligently and conscientiously devoted innumerable hours of his time,5
talents, and energy toward the betterment of his community and state as evidenced6
dramatically by his superlative service within the West End Neighborhood; and7
WHEREAS, in 1971, Handy and his late wife Lois purchased and restored a historic house8
in West End, and along with their two daughters, Jessica and Ursula, The Johnson's made this9
neighborhood their home; and10
WHEREAS, Handy enrolled in the University of Georgia College of Environment and11
Design and received a master's degree in landscape architecture, making history as the first12
African American to be awarded a graduate degree from that program; and 13
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WHEREAS, his thesis was "Neighborhood Revitalization: An Analysis of Neighborhood
14
Conditions in Atlanta's West End," and it helped to solidify the structure of the emerging15
West End Neighborhood Development (WEND) organization; and16
WHEREAS, over the years, he served in various leadership positions in WEND as well as17
with the Beautification and Environmental Health Committee, the Piedmont Park18
Conservancy, the Atlanta Urban Design, the Joel Chandler Harris Association (Wren's Nest),19
the Atlanta Preservation Center, and the City of Atlanta Comprehensive Historic Resources20
Survey Steering Committee; and 21
WHEREAS, for 34 years, Handy worked with the State of Georgia Department of Natural22
Resources in the Division of Planning and Research undertaking statewide planning efforts23
and developing numerous parks around the state; and 24
WHEREAS, Handy's significant organizational and leadership talents, remarkable patience25
and diplomacy, keen sense of vision, and sensitivity to the needs of the citizens of this state26
have earned him the respect and admiration of his community; and27
WHEREAS, he is a person of magnanimous strengths with an unimpeachable reputation for28
integrity, intelligence, fairness, and kindness; and29
WHEREAS, it is abundantly fitting and proper that the outstanding accomplishments of this30
remarkable and distinguished Georgian be appropriately recognized.31
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body32
recognize and commend Handy Johnson, Jr., for his efficient, effective, unselfish, and33
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dedicated public service to the State of Georgia and extend the most sincere best wishes for
34
continued health and happiness.35
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed36
to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to Handy Johnson,37
Jr.38
S. R. 411
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