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A RESOLUTION honoring Dr. Ronald Berry on the occasion of his 80th birthday. 1
WHEREAS, Dr. Ronald Berry was born to Mr. and Mrs. Edward Berry Sr. in 2
Lexington, Kentucky, and was one of fifteen children; and 3
WHEREAS, at the young age of fifteen, Dr. Ronald Berry joined the Congress of 4
Racial Equality, better known as CORE; and 5
WHEREAS, Dr. Ronald Berry became director of CORE and fought for civil rights 6
and against racial injustice for over 30 years in the city of Lexington; and 7
WHEREAS, under the leadership of Dr. Ronald Berry and following peaceful 8
protests, sit-ins, demonstrations, marches, and petitions, Lexington became an integrated 9
city which led to better employment opportunities, fairer housing, and entrance into 10
restaurants and retail stores for Blacks; and 11
WHEREAS, Dr. Ronald Berry was a liaison between the Black community, police 12
department, and individuals with political aspirations, resulting in a better relationship 13
between the Black community and the police department; and 14
WHEREAS, during Dr. Ronald Berry's leadership and service, schools were 15
integrated with the hope of ensuring equal distribution of resources, including federal 16
funding. These resources helped revive Douglass Park with improved landscaping, 17
lighting, new architectural design, and a swimming pool; and 18
WHEREAS, when the pool was shut down, CORE intervened under Dr. Ronald 19
Berry's leadership resulting in the pool being reopened for the Black community; and 20
WHEREAS, around 1966, the Micro City Government program was founded and 21
directed by Dr. Ronald Berry. During this time, Lexington and the entire country 22
continued to have racial tension and injustice. Dr. Berry's guidance was sought to help 23
ease the tensions so communities could peacefully exist; and 24
WHEREAS, Micro City, under the guidance of Dr. Ronald Berry, rechanneled the 25
energy of the youth in the Lexington community by teaching them how to be productive 26
members of society. Mr. & Miss Black Lexington was conceived by Dr. Berry to instill 27 UNOFFICIAL COPY 24 RS BR 2411
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black pride, confidence, and empowerment that nothing is impossible with God; and 1
WHEREAS, Dr. Ronald Berry turns 80 years old on March 1, 2024; 2
NOW, THEREFORE, 3
Be it resolved by the Senate of the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of 4
Kentucky: 5
Section 1. The Senate celebrates and honors the accomplishments of Dr. Ronald 6
Berry and his service to the Lexington community on his 80th birthday. 7
Section 2. When the Senate adjourns today, it does so in honor of Dr. Ronald 8
Berry. 9
Section 3. The Clerk of the Senate is hereby directed to transmit a copy of this 10
Resolution to Senator Reginald Thomas for delivery. 11