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Senate Resolution 436
By: Senators Kemp of the 38th, Esteves of the 35th, Parent of the 44th, Sims of the 12th,
Mallow of the 2nd and others
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing and commending the 2025 Georgia Single Parent "Legacy Builders"
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Recognition and Awards finalists, "Overcomer Founder" Award, "Ruth Brewster Endurance"2
Award, and Historian Award recipients for their achievements; and for other purposes.3
WHEREAS, in recognition of the valuable contributions of single parents in Georgia, House4
Resolution 279 was enacted, designating March 21 of each year as Georgia Single Parent5
Day; and6
WHEREAS, The National Leadership Group Inc., in partnership with former State7
Representative Valencia Stovall, identified the need for an annual event, launching the8
Georgia Single Parent "Legacy Builders" Recognition and Awards in 2019 to honor the9
dedication and accomplishments of single parents, regardless of gender, cultural background,10
or economic status; and11
WHEREAS, the Georgia Single Parent "Overcomer Founder" Award, established by former12
State Representative Valencia Stovall in 2022, recognizes single parents who have triumphed13
over significant challenges to provide their children with the opportunity to thrive and14
succeed; and15
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WHEREAS, the Georgia Single Parent "Ruth Brewster Endurance" Award, established by
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Mother Ruth Brewster in 2023, honors single parents who persevere through adversity to17
create a nurturing, supportive environment for their children's success; and18
WHEREAS, the Historian Award, introduced in 2025, celebrates extraordinary single parents19
whose remarkable achievements and resilience have defied the odds, broken barriers, and left20
a lasting impact, inspiring future generations; and21
WHEREAS, 38 outstanding single parents have been nominated for recognition at the 202522
Georgia Single Parent "Legacy Builders" Recognition and Awards event, with the following23
awardees: Shayla Lawrence (Education) of Atlanta, April Baylis (Medical & Health) of24
Atlanta, Dr. Eddie Gordon (Community Service) of Ellenwood, Shalondra Gurley (Business25
Owner) of Hiram, Latasha Frazier (Public Service) of Jonesboro, Tiffanie Bacon26
(Faith-Based) of Morrow, and Jyshon Harrell Sr. (Arts & Entertainment) of Loganville; and27
WHEREAS, the 2025 Georgia Single Parent "Overcomer Founder" Award recipients are Dr.28
Hazel Jay of Riverdale and Christopher Walls of Lithia Springs; and29
WHEREAS, the 2025 Georgia Single Parent "Ruth Brewster Endurance" Award recipient30
is Rhema Davis of Marietta; and31
WHEREAS, the 2025 Georgia Single Parent "Historian" Award recipient is Dr. Melody32
Kelley of Sandy Springs; and33
WHEREAS, parents devote immeasurable time, energy, and care to raising their children,34
ensuring they grow into responsible, productive, and successful adults; and35
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WHEREAS, the challenges of raising children as a single parent in today's society are
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particularly daunting; and37
WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper to honor the outstanding accomplishments of these38
remarkable individuals for their exemplary contributions and unwavering dedication.39
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body40
recognize and commend the recipients of the 2025 Georgia Single Parent "Legacy Builders"41
Recognition and Awards for their exceptional role as single-parent leaders and extend best42
wishes for continued success.43
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed44
to make appropriate copies of this resolution available for distribution to each of the45
recipients named herein.46
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