12 LC 93 0761

Senate Resolution 947

By: Senators James of the 35th, Jones of the 10th, Seay of the 34th, Orrock of the 36th, Davenport of the 44th and others

A RESOLUTION

Recognizing and commending Monica Pearson; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, Monica Pearson joined Channel 2 Action News in August of 1975 as Atlanta's first woman and first minority to anchor the 6 P.M. news and has dedicated more than 30 years as the Nightbeat anchor; and

WHEREAS, a graduate of the University of Louisville, she was a reporter for the Louisville Times for five years; and

WHEREAS, she has received numerous awards reflecting her outstanding ability, including an Emmy in 2008 for her exclusive interview with Congressman John Lewis, the Distinguished Service to Broadcasting Award in 1989, the YWCA's prestigious Woman of Achievement Award in 1992, and the Women's Sports Journalism Award for Local Television Reporting; and

WHEREAS, an active member of her community, Monica Pearson is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, where she is the coordinator of the senior citizens program, and attends Gospel Tabernacle Church; and

WHEREAS, she established a scholarship in her name at Presentation Academy, an all girls Catholic high school that she attended in Louisville, Kentucky; and

WHEREAS, she is a member of various professional organization, including the Society of Professional Journalists, Sigma Delta Chi; the National Association of Black Journalists; the Atlanta Association of Black Journalists; the Atlanta Junior League; American Women in Radio and Television; the Atlanta Press Club; the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences; the Screen Actors Guild; and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists; and

WHEREAS, a woman with great civic zest, Monica Pearson is a most beloved and respected leader in the Atlanta community, and her humanity and altruism are worthy of recognition.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body commend Monica Pearson for her incredible career in journalism and extend heartfelt appreciation for her contributions to her community and the State of Georgia.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed to transmit an appropriate copy of this resolution to Monica Pearson.