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February saw the life of Marie Brinkley Hill honored with a resolution at the Virginia General Assembly in Richmond.

On Wednesday, Feb. 21, friends and family of the late Suffolk community activist visited Richmond to witness the resolution celebrating the life of Hill being put on the floor. Presented by Delegate Nadarius Clark, the resolution passed with a unanimous vote.

Hill, who died on Sunday, July 9, 2023, at 102, has been described as a “soldier for education.” Born on February 22, 1921, she received numerous accolades, including the NAACP Trailblazer award in February 2009, the 2017 Community Activist Award from El Cel Sorts Club Temple Beth El, as well as the Certificate of Recognition Award for contributions to her community and service to Macedonia Baptist Church and the Benevolent Protective Order 2005. Hill also served as a resource volunteer for the Virginia Department of Corrections and as a Hobson Artesian Well Association chaplain officer. Likewise, despite only reaching the seventh grade as a student of the segregated Hobson Graded School in Nansemond County, Hill earned her GED at 93.