Governor McDonnell Recognizes July 10 "Yvonne B. Miller Day" in Virginia
RICHMOND – Governor Bob McDonnell issued a certificate of recognition, recognizing July 10, 2012 as Yvonne B. Miller Day in the Commonwealth of Virginia, and called the observance to the attention of Virginia's citizens. State Senator Yvonne Miller was the first African-American woman elected to the Virginia House of Delegates, the first African-American woman elected to the Virginia State Senate, the first woman to chair a Senate Committee, and she was the longest-serving woman in the history of the Virginia State Senate. Governor McDonnell's Chief of Staff Martin Kent will present the certificate of recognition to Yvonne Miller's family tomorrow, with a flag that was flown over the state capitol in Richmond.
The certificate of recognition is available below and at this link: http://www.governor.virginia.gov/utility/media/Yvonne%20Miller%20Day%20Jul%2010.pdf
YVONNE B. MILLER
WHEREAS, Senator Yvonne B. Miller was a history-maker and a trail blazer who cared deeply about people and served as a strong voice and passionate advocate for the disadvantaged, the forgotten and the overlooked; and
WHEREAS, Yvonne B. Miller, the oldest of 13 children, was a leader in many ways from being the first in her family to graduate high school and attend college to being the first African American woman elected to serve in both the Virginia House of Delegates and the Senate of Virginia to being the first woman to chair a Senate Committee; and
WHEREAS, Yvonne B. Miller was a lifelong educator having earned her bachelor's degree in 1956 from the predecessor of Norfolk State University, where she would later become a member of the faculty, and graduate degrees from Columbia University and the University of Pittsburgh; and
WHEREAS, Yvonne B. Miller was the longest-serving woman in the history of the Virginia State Senate and will always be remembered for her actions while in office, including her focus on such issues as ensuring equal opportunities for minorities and improving the lives of the underprivileged; and
WHEREAS, Yvonne B. Miller was a positive role model who touched the lives of countless individuals and her impact on Virginia history in shattering racial and gender barriers will never be forgotten; and
WHEREAS, our Commonwealth has lost a truly resolute public servant in Yvonne B. Miller, a woman who was steadfast in her commitment to bettering her community and the lives of others, and it is fitting to designate a day for the Commonwealth to pay its respects, reflect on her legacy, and mourn her passing;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert F. McDonnell, do hereby recognize July 10, 2012 as YVONNE B. MILLER DAY in our COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of our citizens.
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