Bill Text: VA HJR144 | 2024 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Celebrating the life of Forrest A. Parker, Sr.
Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill
Status: (Passed) 2024-02-15 - Bill text as passed House and Senate (HJ144ER) [HJR144 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2024-HJR144-Enrolled.html
WHEREAS, Forrest A. Parker, Sr., of Fredericksburg, a champion for diversity in higher education who touched countless lives through his visionary leadership, died on January 1, 2024; and
WHEREAS, Forrest Parker was born in Franklin and attended public schools in Newport News, where he began to build a strong foundation for lifelong learning and excelled in both academics and athletics; and
WHEREAS, after graduating from Warwick High School, Forrest Parker earned a bachelor's degree from Ferrum College, where he was a member of several student organizations and was elected student body vice president, and a master's degree in counseling education from James Madison University (JMU); and
WHEREAS, Forrest Parker joined JMU in the 1980s and was the institution's first administrator dedicated to the recruitment of minority students; as an assistant dean of admissions, he played a critical role in JMU's successful efforts to grow enrollment of Black students in accordance with statewide goals and presided over a 400 percent increase in the enrollment of all minority students; and
WHEREAS, Forrest Parker also enhanced student retention and academic success at JMU by creating two support groups for Black students, the Brothers of a New Direction (BOND) and Women of Color; and
WHEREAS, in 1989, Forrest Parker joined the University of Mary Washington (UMW), then known as Mary Washington College, as an associate dean for admissions; he directed the Summer Orientation Adventure Retreat and led the James Farmer Scholars Program; and
WHEREAS, Forrest Parker also served as the founding director of what is now known as the James Farmer Multicultural Center, through which he coordinated culturally diverse commemorative events and established the Multicultural Fair at Mary Washington, a groundbreaking program that has become a beloved annual tradition in the community; and
WHEREAS, Forrest Parker was promoted to vice president for multicultural affairs in 1993 and built on his success by bringing the BOND and Women of Color groups to UMW and developing similar support organizations for students of other backgrounds; he also created a mentorship program that matches minority students with leaders in the community and a national conference, Multi-Ethnic Perspectives, that addresses diversity in higher education and beyond; and
WHEREAS, after 20 years in academia, Forrest Parker pursued other career opportunities in real estate, retail, and public speaking, and he volunteered his time and leadership to several civic and service organizations; and
WHEREAS, Forrest Parker served on the organizing board and later became the chief executive officer of the Boys & Girls Club of the Rappahannock Region; during his tenure, the organization supported and empowered more than 4,600 young people in the region; and
WHEREAS, Forrest Parker worked with the Tau Rho Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and its Rappahannock Regional Uplift and Scholarship Foundation to creating a special mentoring program at the Boys & Girls Club of the Rappahannock Region, the Passport to Manhood Program, which earned several prestigious awards for the Tau Rho Chapter; and
WHEREAS, Forrest Parker was a longtime member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, having joined the Beta Delta Delta Chapter at James Madison University in 1985; he earned many awards and accolades for his achievements, including Omega Man of the Year awards at chapter and district levels; and
WHEREAS, Forrest Parker's proudest role in life was that of a father, and he strove to always set a good example for his son, Forrest, Jr., and inspire him to achieve his fullest potential; and
WHEREAS, Forrest Parker will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his son, Forrest, Jr.; his mother, Olga; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of Forrest A. Parker, Sr., who inspired countless young people as a trailblazing higher education administrator at both James Madison University and the University of Mary Washington; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Forrest A. Parker, Sr., as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for his memory.
