Bill Text: VA HJR931 | 2019 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Commending Charles Alexander.
Spectrum: Moderate Partisan Bill (Democrat 10-3)
Status: (Passed) 2019-02-21 - Bill text as passed House and Senate (HJ931ER) [HJR931 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2019-HJR931-Enrolled.html
WHEREAS, Charles Alexander, an author, television presenter, columnist, and speaker, has inspired countless children, adolescents, and adults throughout the City of Charlottesville, Albemarle County, and the United States with his creative, interactive presentations; and
WHEREAS, a trailblazer in the Civil Rights movement, Charles Alexander was one of the "Charlottesville 12," the first group of African American children to integrate Charlottesville schools in 1959; and
WHEREAS, Charles Alexander, referred to as an "infotainer" or "performing teacher" and known by his stage name Alex-Zan, has secured more than 100 copyrights, four trademarks, and has developed several cartoon characters to better engage with audiences; and
WHEREAS, in 2018, Charles Alexander launched a series of presentations geared toward elementary school students in Charlottesville City Schools that combines his own perspective on the history of school desegregation with themes of character development; and
WHEREAS, in August 2018, Charles Alexander presented a lesson on the importance of self-respect and kindness toward others to children at Barrett Early Learning Center and held his "Yes You Matter" workshop on the importance of being safe and responsible on social media to students at Albemarle High School; and
WHEREAS, Charles Alexander is recognized for creating Close Your Mouth and Listen Day, also known as CYM Day, which was officially proclaimed in September 2018 by the City of Charlottesville; and
WHEREAS, Charles Alexander's "I'm a Thinker" series promotes social and emotional learning by encouraging students to think before they act; the first presentation took place at Jackson-Via Elementary School in November 2018, with appearances at other elementary schools in the city scheduled through 2020; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Charles Alexander for his unique work as an educator, entertainer, and motivator; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Charles Alexander as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for his efforts to make a positive difference in the lives of people throughout the Commonwealth and the United States.
