Virginia 2025 Regular Session

Virginia Senate Bill SR229 Compare Versions

Version 1 (Old)

Version 2 (New)

Old	New		Differences
1	1		2025 SESSION
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3		-	ENROLLED
	3	+	INTRODUCED
	4	+
	5	+	25104365D
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5	7		SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 229
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	9	+	Offered January 30, 2025
	10	+
7	11		Celebrating the life of Nikki Giovanni.
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9		-	Agreed to by the Senate, February 6, 2025
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	14	+
	15	+	PatronRouse
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13	19		WHEREAS, Nikki Giovanni, an acclaimed poet, activist, University Distinguished Professor Emerita at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, and beloved teacher and mentor to countless students, died on December 9, 2024; and
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15	21		WHEREAS, Nikki Giovanni was born in Knoxville, Tennessee, and graduated with honors from Fisk University, where she studied history; and
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17	23		WHEREAS, after graduation, Nikki Giovanni began writing and publishing books of poetry and was a well-known voice of the Black Arts Movement; she ultimately published 20 poetry books and several illustrated children's books; and
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19	25		WHEREAS, Nikki Giovanni first came to Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) as a visiting professor in the Department of English in 1987, then became a full-time professor in 1989; her words, both written and spoken, marked many of the institution's historic events during her tenure; and
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21	27		WHEREAS, Nikki Giovanni taught poetry and writing courses and mentored many students, some of whom became award-winning authors; and
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23	29		WHEREAS, Nikki Giovanni was well known internationally, receiving more than 30 honorary degrees and multiple NAACP Image Awards, and she was also a finalist for a Grammy and for the National Book Award; and
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25	31		WHEREAS, in 2005, Nikki Giovanni created a Virginia Tech poetry competition named for its benefactor and former university president, the late Charles W. Steger, which awards monetary prizes for student poetry; and
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27	33		WHEREAS, while Nikki Giovanni retired from Virginia Tech in 2022, she continued writing, performing, and traveling to speak at events; and
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29	35		WHEREAS, Nikki Giovanni will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by her family, close friends, and the entire Virginia Tech community; now, therefore, be it
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31		-	RESOLVED, That the Senate of Virginia hereby note with great sadness the loss of Nikki Giovanni; and, be it
	37	+	RESOLVED, That the Senate of Virginia hereby note with great sadness the loss of Nikki Giovanni; and be it
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33	39		RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Nikki Giovanni as an expression of the Senate of Virginia's respect for her memory and contributions to the Commonwealth.