WHEREAS, The state of Washington has led the nation in many initiatives to end racial disparities, homelessness, economic development, and education, and many of these progressive and groundbreaking initiatives can be attributed to Senator George Fleming, a man who has worked tirelessly for equality and justice; and
     WHEREAS, George Fleming completed his degree in business administration at the University of Washington, where he was a well-known Husky football champion who played in the 1960 and 1961 Rose Bowls, and was named a Most Valuable Player of the 1960 Rose Bowl; and
     WHEREAS, George Fleming went on to play professional football for the Oakland Raiders and later the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the Canadian Football League, and he was entered into the Husky Hall of Fame in 1980 and later honored as a Husky Legend in 1998; and
     WHEREAS, In 1968, George Fleming was elected to represent the 37th Legislative District in the House of Representatives, and in 1970 he became the second African American to be elected to the Washington State Senate where for over 20 years he sponsored legislation that defends the rights of women, racial and ethnic minorities, senior citizens, and children; and
     WHEREAS, George Fleming's legislative accomplishments include: The Office of Minority and Women's Business Enterprises, the Housing Finance Commission, and the MESA Program, a high-tech achievement program for minorities and women; and
     WHEREAS, George Fleming led legislative efforts to create a state holiday honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Junior, and mentored some of the first minority legislative staff who have themselves become leaders for Washington state, including Gary Locke, Ron Sims, and Nate Miles; and
     WHEREAS, While in the Senate, George Fleming served as Vice Chair of the Democratic Caucus from 1973 to 1980 and Caucus Chair from 1980 to 1988; and
     WHEREAS, George Fleming and his wife Tina have two daughters, Sonja and Yemi, and two sons-in-law, Michael and Rodney, as well as five grandchildren, all of Seattle; and
     WHEREAS, After five decades of public and community service, George Fleming continues to be one of the most influential leaders in Washington state history; and
     WHEREAS, February is Black History Month and a time for all Washingtonians to recognize not only the accomplishments of leaders from our past, but the continuing contributions from our living legends;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate honor and appreciate the work and life of former Senator George Fleming and encourage all citizens to join in the recognition of his many contributions to our great state.