WHEREAS, the Reverend Kelvin F. Jones, the pastor of First Baptist Church Capeville and a well-known community leader on the Eastern Shore, organized and hosted a special celebration of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in Cape Charles in 2023; and
WHEREAS, Kelvin Jones has served as the pastor of First Baptist Church Capeville for more than three decades, providing wise spiritual guidance to generations of local residents and earning a reputation as a trusted civic leader; and
WHEREAS, inspired by his memories of local celebrations, when President Ronald Reagan designated the third Monday in January as a public holiday honoring the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Kelvin Jones hosted a community event at the Historic Palace Theatre in Cape Charles on January 23, 2023; and
WHEREAS, the Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration featured appearances from local officials and performances by the Boys Choir of Hampton Roads, the Northampton High School chorus, the Northampton High School band, students from Kiptopeke Elementary School and Occohannock Elementary School, Jackie Faison-Elmandorf, and Master Sergeant Alvy Powell of the United States Army Chorus; and
WHEREAS, five local leaders, Charles Bell, Malik McCaskill, Matthew McCaskill, Sabrina Parker, and Willie Randall, also received awards for their philanthropy and contributions to the community; and
WHEREAS, the celebration demonstrated the way Martin Luther King Jr. Day can bring communities together and motivate individuals to make a difference in the lives of others, and Kelvin Jones has encouraged local government officials to further recognize the importance of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the Senate of Virginia, That the Reverend Kelvin F. Jones hereby be commended for his work to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and inspire community members to fulfill Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s legacy by pursuing leadership opportunities and advocating for social justice; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Reverend Kelvin F. Jones as an expression of the Senate of Virginia's admiration for his achievements and service to the residents of Northampton County.