A resolution recognizing State Senator Thelma M. Harper for her honorable and astute service to the people of Tennessee

WHEREAS, State Senator Thelma Harper, has for many years been a prominent and highly influential figure in the political , social, and civic lives of many, serving her constituents in numerous capacities, always working diligently at her elected duties and expanding the necessary efforts to understand the opposing sides of complex duties; and

WHEREAS, State Senator Thelma Harper has served in the Tennessee State Senate for fourteen years and currently serves from the 19th Senatorial District of Tennessee and is the first African American female ever elected to the Tennessee State Senate; and

WHEREAS, prior to her election to the Tennessee State Senate, she served as city Councilwoman for the Second Councilmatic district of Davidson County; and

WHEREAS, State Senator Thelma Harper serves as Chair of the Senate Government Operations Committee; in addition she serves as the Vice Chair of the State and Local Government Committee; member of the Select Committee on Children and Youth; member of the Corrections Oversight Committee; member of the Veterans Affairs Oversight Committee; President of the Tennessee Women's Suffrage Commission; Vice Chair of the Tennessee Black Healthcare Commission; former Chair of the Davidson County Delegation; a member of the Tennessee Economic Council on Women; member of the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Board of Directors; and

WHEREAS, serves as former Commissioner of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools; a member of Women in Government and serves on the Board of Directors of Leadership Nashville; and

WHEREAS, State Senator Thelma Harper is the recipient of numerous accolades which include receiving the Frances Williams Preston Award for her work on behalf of breast cancer, is a member of the prestigious WALL OF FAME at the Goodwill Manor, a wall dedicated to alumni of Tennessee State University who have made significant contributions or provided outstanding services to their community, and numerous other awards; and

WHEREAS, State Senator Thelma Harper has played an instrumental role in passing legislation relating to such issues as the allowance of Local Boards of Education to institute uniforms in public schools; fee waiver legislation which provides that students from low income homes would have their school supplies provided; legislation mandating that prostitution cannot take place within one and a half miles of any school; breast reconstruction legislation and making animal cruelty a felony; and

WHEREAS, State Senator Thelma Harper is a proponent of good, responsible government and has made quite a difference in her community; and

WHEREAS, State Senator Thelma Harper is one of eleven children born to Reverend and Mrs. William Claybrooks, Sr. who worked as sharecroppers, she attended early education in a one-room schoolhouse, attended Haynes High School before graduating from Cameron High School; and

WHEREAS, State Senator Thelma Harper is a graduate of Tennessee State University with a Bachelor Degree in Business Administration (Marketing and Accounting) and additionally attended University of Tennessee Nashville as well as Fisk University; and

WHEREAS, State Senator Thelma Harper was united in marriage to Paul Harper, her soul mate, and they have two children, one deceased and a son-in-law; and

WHEREAS, the Harpers are very active and dedicated members of the Schrader Lane Church of Christ; and

WHEREAS, it is kind-hearted women like State Senator Thelma Harper, who in addition to her responsibilities, makes time for her community, as a tireless volunteer, always first in line to lead a community project, work on a fundraiser, or serve in any needed capacity and it's only fitting and proper that such a public servant be honored and recognized for her contributions; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan Council recognizes State Senator Thelma M. Harper for her dedication, countless contributions and many good works to improving the quality of life for their fellow citizens and wish her continued success in all her future endeavors.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. The Metropolitan Council hereby goes on record as recognizing State Senator Thelma M. Harper for her honorable and astute service to the people of Tennessee.

Section 2. The Metropolitan Clerks Office is directed to prepare a hand-lettered scroll of this Resolution to be presented to State Senator Thelma M. Harper.

Section 3. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Ludye Wallace, Edward Whitmore, Brenda Gilmore

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY
Referred:	Rules & Confirmations Committee
Introduced:	March 6, 2007
Deferred:	March 6, 2007
Adopted:	March 20, 2007
Approved:	March 21, 2007
By: