HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 97 Offered January 9, 2008 Prefiled January 7, 2008 Commending Juanita Blick Evans-Fells. ---------- Patron-- Dance ----------

WHEREAS, Juanita Blick Evans-Fells, a longtime educator in the Petersburg City Public Schools, has attained the distinction of becoming the first African-American female news reporter for Channel 8 News in Petersburg; and

WHEREAS, Juanita Blick Evans-Fells received her baccalaureate degree in English from Norfolk State University, two master’s degrees from Virginia State University, and the doctoral degree in Rhetoric and Linguistics from Indiana University of Pennsylvania; and

WHEREAS, during her tenure with the Petersburg City Public Schools, she taught English and speech for 15 years and was chairperson of the English Department for eight years; and

WHEREAS, prior to her career in broadcast communications, she spent the last 17 years teaching English and writing courses at her alma mater, Virginia State University, where she also served as a liaison to bridge the gap between American and foreign professors through the Academy for Faculty Development; and

WHEREAS, in addition to her illustrious educational and historic broadcast careers, Juanita Blick Evans-Fells shares her immense talents, time, and resources with the Petersburg community and the surrounding localities, and has been called upon to serve on numerous local committees, edit local documents, write biographical sketches, conduct workshops, handle all written correspondence for various community groups and organizations, serve as the grand marshal of the annual Petersburg Parade, and deliver the keynote message at significant occasions, including the investiture of United States District Court Judge Roger Gregory; and

WHEREAS, in 1999, her book, Right Closet, Wrong Rack, was the bestseller for local authors, remaining on the bestseller list for six weeks; and

WHEREAS, as a devoted member of Zion Baptist Church in Petersburg, she currently serves as editor of the quarterly newsletter, Zion Herald News, has conducted Bible classes, has taught English in the church’s Summer School Program, and has served as speaker for ecclesiastical services at her church and at houses of worship throughout the surrounding area; and

WHEREAS, Juanita Blick Evans-Fells continues to serve faithfully the Virginia State University family in various capacities and to support the institution with her presence and gifts, including serving as hostess for university events and as editor for the administrative staff; and

WHEREAS, as faculty emeritus, retirement has not diminished her spirit of service to the Petersburg community or to Virginia State University, and she continues her dedicated service to the Improving the Community Committee, and to all who call upon her for assistance; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Juanita Blick Evans-Fells on her outstanding achievement as the first African-American female television news reporter in her native city, and for her faithful and generous spirit of service to the people of Petersburg and the surrounding localities; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Juanita Blick Evans-Fells as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for her outstanding achievements and gratitude for her spirit of public service.