Ella Jo Baker, 1903-1986, is a native Virginian and has served both this great nation and the Commonwealth as a leader, educator, and activist on behalf of underprivileged communities; and
WHEREAS, Baker was the granddaughter of enslaved Africans; and
WHEREAS, Baker strongly advocated that the common (wo)man, not solely recognized leaders, are the backbone of this country; and
WHEREAS, Baker i
s a model for working across party lines and ideological differences to build strong, effective coalitions; and
WHEREAS, Baker dedicated her life to serving those less fortunate by participating in a broad base of organizations including but not limited to the American Federation of Labor, the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, and the Voter Education Project; and
WHEREAS, the United States Postal Service honored Baker with a postage stamp as part of a special issue commemorating Civil Rights Pioneers; and
WHEREAS, numerous historical and other scholarly texts have documented Baker's lifelong participation in social movements; and
WHEREAS, it is fitting to recognize Ms. Ella Jo Baker as one of our nation’s greatest unsung heroes, as loved and appreciated by all those who had the opportunity to work alongside her, as an eternal believer in the potential, dignity, and importance of all people, and as an honorable and dedicated citizen;
NOW, THEREFORE, we, the residents of the Commonwealth of Virginia, do suggest the recognition of April 15 as Ella Baker Day in the Commonwealth of Virginia and call the attention of all our citizens.
