Bill Text: VA HR525 | 2025 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Commending Beat da Odds.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2025-01-27 - Agreed to by House by voice vote [HR525 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2025-HR525-Introduced.html
2025 SESSION
INTRODUCED
25104083D
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 525
Offered January 22, 2025
Commending Beat da Odds.
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Patron—Feggans
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WHEREAS, Beat da Odds, a musical group that was formed as part of a rehabilitation initiative of the Virginia Beach Sheriff's Office, gave its first performance at the Virginia Beach Correctional Center on August 15, 2024; and
WHEREAS, the Beat da Odds program is one of several rehabilitation initiatives of the Virginia Beach Sheriff's Office designed to ease the transition for inmates as they conclude their incarceration and reenter society; and
WHEREAS, after being selected for the rehabilitation program from among more than 80 inmates that applied, the members of Beat da Odds or “BDO” spent months rehearsing and composing their music in jail cells and the prison's gymnasium; and
WHEREAS, BDO's performance included an original song, “Not a Number,” as well as renditions of the gospel song “My Life is in Your Hands” and country artist Sam Hunt's song “Locked Up”; and
WHEREAS, BDO combined harmonies, solos, and rap with a poised and engaging stage presence to create an uplifting and inspiring musical experience for the deputies, city officials, and other individuals in attendance; and
WHEREAS, BDO and the Virginia Beach Sheriff's Office was supported in this endeavor by Brandon “Shaggy” Stokes, a morning show host at the local Z104 radio station, who spearheaded the program, helped the group rehearse, and broadcast their performance on his show; and
WHEREAS, recognizing the impact that access to education and arts and culture programs can have on rates of recidivism, the BDO initiative has the potential to strengthen the Virginia Beach community and make a difference in countless lives; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That Beat da Odds, a rehabilitation initiative of the Virginia Beach Sheriff's Office, hereby be commended on the occasion of its inaugural performance; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Rocky Holcomb, sheriff of Virginia Beach, as an expression of the House of Delegates' admiration for the success of Beat da Odds and his department's other rehabilitation initiatives.
