GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA
1991 SESSION
RATIFIED BILL

RESOLUTION 23
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION 1302

A JOINT RESOLUTION HONORING THE LIFE AND MEMORY OF SIPPIO BURTON, JR., CIVIL RIGHTS LEADER.

Whereas, when in the course of human history, certain individuals are observed to have significantly and profoundly influenced their community and State for the better, it is appropriate to commemorate their lives with appreciation and honor; and
Whereas, though the qualities of strength and gentleness are commonly admired and desired, it is a rare individual who abundantly displays both virtues, and both were outstanding characteristics of Sippio Burton, Jr.; and
Whereas, Sippio Burton, Jr., son of the late Sippio Burton, Sr. and the late Sally Hodges Burton, was born on July 10, 1915, in Cumberland County; and
Whereas, Sippio Burton, Jr. spent his early years in Southern Pines and in South Carolina, where he lived with his foster father, Reverend P.W. Toney; and
Whereas, Sippio Burton, Jr. graduated from the Chester County School System in South Carolina and attended Brainard Junior College in Chester, South Carolina; and
Whereas, Sippio Burton, Jr. proudly served his country in the United States Army from February 28, 1942 until February 10, 1946; and
Whereas, after his military service, Sippio Burton, Jr. returned to Cumberland County, where he established the Burton Barber Shop; and
Whereas, Sippio Burton, Jr. distinguished himself as a civil rights leader; and
Whereas, Sippio Burton, Jr.'s concern and compassion for those less fortunate were constantly evident; and
Whereas, the rights of all people in general were a major concern of his efforts; and
Whereas, in stature Sippio Burton, Jr. was big, but in life, gentle, kind, caring, always fighting for the underdog; and
Whereas, Sippio Burton, Jr. served as president of the Fayetteville Chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, during some of the most turbulent years of the civil rights movement; and
Whereas, Sippio Burton, Jr. helped to promote better opportunities for minorities in the areas of employment, education, housing, and health care, and was involved in the case that eventually lead to greater minority participation in the electoral process on the local and State levels; and
Whereas, Sippio Burton, Jr. provided leadership in a positive fashion and was opposed to militancy, yet determined to help others in need; and
Whereas, Sippio Burton, Jr. was admired and respected by all members of his community; and
Whereas, Sippio Burton, Jr. was an active member of the Spout Springs Presbyterian Church, where he served as elder and church treasurer; and
Whereas, Sippio Burton, Jr. died on December 21, 1989; and
Whereas, Sippio Burton, Jr. is survived by his wife, Sadie Burton, his son, Lewis M. Burton, his daughter, Marion Faye Williams, and a host of other relatives; and
Whereas, Sippio Burton, Jr. will be remembered as a devoted family man, a great civil rights leader, and a true humanitarian;

Now, therefore, be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:

Section 1.  The General Assembly expresses its deep appreciation for the life of Sippio Burton, Jr. and recognizes his contributions and accomplishments in the area of civil rights.
Sec. 2.  The General Assembly extends its deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Sippio Burton, Jr. for the loss of this fine North Carolinian.
Sec. 3.  The Secretary of State shall transmit a certified copy of this resolution to the family of Sippio Burton, Jr.
Sec. 4.  This resolution is effective upon ratification.
In the General Assembly read three times and ratified this the 10th day of July, 1991.

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	James C. Gardner
	President of the Senate

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	Daniel Blue, Jr.
	Speaker of the House of Representatives