RESOLUTION No. __________, Series 2016
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A RESOLUTION HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY
OF SENATOR GEORGIA MONTGOMERY DAVIS POWERS.
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SPONSORED BY: COUNCILMEMBERS TANDY, GREEN, SHANKLIN, WOOLDRIDGE, BRYANT-HAMILTON, JAMES, LEET, OWEN, HOLLANDER, MULVIHILL, KRAMER, BLACKWELL, WELCH, FOWLER, BUTLER, DOWNARD, STUCKEL, PARKER, DENTON, BENSON, JOHNSON, ENGEL, PEDEN, FLOOD, YATES, and ACKERSON
WHEREAS, Georgia Montgomery Davis Powers, the daughter of the late Ben Gore and Frances Walker Montgomery, was born on October 29, 1923 in Springfield, Kentucky. She transitioned peacefully on January 30, 2016 surrounded by her family.
WHEREAS, Georgia grew up in West Louisville on Grand Avenue with her parents and eight brothers. She attended Central Colored High School and Louisville Municipal College.
WHEREAS, A community activist and leader early on, Georgia led the Allied Organization for Civil Rights in promoting statewide public accommodations and fair employment law. In 1964, she was instrumental and one of the lead organizers of the March on Frankfort supporting equity in public accommodation and fair employment.
WHEREAS, Georgia’s political career began in 1962 working for candidates Wilson W. Wyatt for US Senate, Edward T. Breathitt for Governor, Norbert Blume for Congress, and other local candidates. After working in the Blume for Congress campaign headquarters in the Seelbach Hotel for five years, Georgia became a candidate for the Kentucky State Senate, 33rd District.
WHEREAS, In 1967, Georgia Davis Powers made history breaking the gender and race barrier becoming the first African-American and the first woman elected to a full term to the Kentucky Senate. During her tenure in the State Senate, Powers advocated for legislation that improved education for the physically and mentally disabled, authored more than 150 bills, including statewide fair housing legislation, and sponsored bills prohibiting employment, sex and age discrimination.
WHEREAS, “Senator” as she was affectionately and respectfully called, authored three successful books: her autobiography, I Shared The Dream (New Horizon Press), The Adventures of the Book of Revelation, a Bible Prophesy (Sengpowers Publication), and Celia’s Land, a biography of her great aunt, (Goose Creek Publishers, Inc.).
WHEREAS, She received hundreds of awards and honors, including five honorary doctorate degrees: Doctors of Laws, University of Kentucky (1988); Doctor of Humane Letters, University of Louisville (1988); Doctor of Humane Letters, Kentucky State University (1999); Doctor of Public Service, Spalding University (2009); and Doctor of Humanities, Simmons College of Kentucky.
WHEREAS, Georgia was married to Norman Fredrick Davis who proceeds her in death. Together, they had one son, William Fredrick Davis. Georgia married James L. Powers in 1973, and he passed on July 5, 1996, and one month later her beloved son “Billy” passed away on August 14, 1996. Memories cherished by her loved ones include two step-daughters, Cheryl A. Campbell and Deborah Rattle; two grandchildren: Don-Fitzpatrick Lamont James and William Frederick Davis; four great-grandchildren: Autrice Jones, Brandon Davon Davis, Nickaya Oliver and Jacoby Johnson; three brothers Phillip (Rose Marie), James I. (Marie Ann) and Lawrence F. (Violet) Montgomery; longtime friend Leroy Anderson, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
WHEREAS, Senator’s impact on this city, commonwealth, and nation is immeasurable. She was a fearless leader who opened so many doors for others. Even after her retirement from the senate, she continued to champion a number of caucuses. At the young age of 81 she was elected First Vice President of the Louisville Chapter of the NAACP for over 10 years. Her legacy lives on through her beloved family, friends and generations of men and women that she has mentored throughout the years. Well done, thy good and faithful servant.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL OF THE LOUISVILLE/JEFFERSON COUNTY METRO GOVERNMENT (THE COUNCIL) AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION I: The Louisville Metro Council hereby adopts this Resolution Honoring the Life and Legacy of Senator Georgia Montgomery Davis Powers and urges all citizens of Metro Louisville to take notice.
SECTION II: This Resolution shall take effect upon its passage and approval.
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_______________________________ H. Stephen Ott Metro Council Clerk |
_____________________________ David Yates President of the Council |
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_______________________________ Greg Fischer Mayor |
_____________________________ Approval Date |
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY:
Michael J. O’Connell
Jefferson County Attorney
BY: ____________________________
R-022-16 Sen. Georgia Montgomery Davis Powers-Tandy,etc. ROC bkn Draft 1 020816