house Resolution No.356

The Speaker, on behalf of the entire membership of the House of Representatives, offered the following resolution:

A resolution of tribute offered as a memorial for Alma G. Stallworth, former member of the House of Representatives.

Whereas, It is with great sadness that the members of this legislative body learned of the passing of Alma G. Stallworth. She served her constituents in Detroit and Wayne County and the people of our entire state with distinction in a career that covered four decades in the House of Representatives. She leaves behind a remarkable record of service which is a model for everyone who follows her into public life; and

Whereas, A native of Little Rock, Arkansas, Alma G. Stallworth ultimately made the Detroit area her home and found numerous ways to serve her community over the years. She attended Highland Park Junior College, the Merrill Palmer Institute, and Wayne State University and was active in religious and social organizations. She also worked as a day care director before she was first elected to the House in 1970; and

Whereas, Alma G. Stallworth served ten terms in the House of Representatives during three separate stints over the span of 34 years, shaping a generation of leaders and leaving her fingerprints on many important policy debates. During her career, Representative Stallworth was a leading figure in public utilities and communications policy, serving as chair, co-chair, and minority vice chair of the House Public Utilities Committee in the 1980s and 1990s. She did important work on foster care and child abuse and championed legislation to protect seniors and consumers during her time in Lansing; and

Whereas, Alma G. Stallworth was a driving force for equality and representation during her career. She chaired the Michigan Legislative Black Caucus and was a founder of the Black Caucus Foundation which, among other things, helped improve opportunities for Black staffers in the Legislature and across state government. She was also an advocate for women in government and numerous other important causes over the course of her life; and

Whereas, After completing her final term, Alma G. Stallworth accepted an appointment on the Detroit Board of Education, continuing her service to her community. She also modeled public service at home throughout her life, as well as on the House floor. Her two sons, Keith and Thomas, also served in this legislative body and their interest in public service is a testament to her example; and

Whereas, Alma G. Stallworth was a dedicated public servant who cared deeply about her constituents, enhancing opportunity for everyone, and making thoughtful public policy. Upon her passing, we offer our condolences to her family and friends. We hope that they may find comfort in the knowledge that the community as a whole shares in their bereavement and that the legacy of Alma G. Stallworth's contributions will long continue to enrich our state; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we offer this expression of our highest tribute to honor the memory of Alma G. Stallworth, a member of this legislative body from 1971 to 1974, 1983 to 1996, and 2003 to 2004; and be it further

Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Stallworth family as evidence of our lasting esteem for her memory.