HR 523

HR523 194106-1 By Representative Jackson RFD: First Read: 29-MAR-18 194106-1:n:03/29/2018:DSM/th LSA2018-1574 MOURNING THE DEATH AND CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF LINDA BROWN THOMPSON. WHEREAS, it is with deep sorrow and regret that we note the lamentable death of Linda Brown Thompson of Topeka, Kansas, on March 25, 2018, at the age of 75 years; as a young student, Ms. Thompson became the symbol of the landmark desegregation case, Brown v. Board of Education, which held that segregated schools were inherently unequal; and WHEREAS, during an interview in 1987, Ms. Thompson recalled the long walks to her segregated school and the walk with her father to Sumner School in September 1950, that set the stage for Brown v. Board of Education; by the time the United States Supreme Court ruled on the case, Ms. Thompson was in an integrated junior high school; and WHEREAS, learning to embrace her role in the landmark case did not come easy for Ms. Thompson initially; during her career, she became an educational consultant and public speaker; an educational organization devoted to the case, the Brown Foundation, was founded by her sister, Cheryl Brown Henderson; and WHEREAS, a valued member of the community and loved by many, we join with others to celebrate her life and accomplishments, and to mourn her death; although her presence will be greatly missed, her legacy will continue to be cherished in the hearts and minds of those who were fortunate to know her and those who will continue to benefit from her courage; now therefore, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA, That the death of Linda Brown Thompson is recorded with deep sadness, and even as we mourn her death, we also celebrate her life; this resolution is offered with heartfelt sympathy to her family, whose grief is shared by many.