A JOINT RESOLUTION HONORING THE LIFE AND MEMORY OF KELLY MILLER ALEXANDER, JR., FORMER MEMBER OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.
Whereas, Kelly Miller Alexander, Jr., was born on October 17, 1948, to Kelly M. Alexander, Sr., and Margaret Alexander in Charlotte, North Carolina; and
Whereas, Kelly Miller Alexander, Jr., attended West Charlotte Senior High School and received a bachelor's degree in political science and a master's degree in public administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; and
Whereas, after completing his education, Kelly Miller Alexander, Jr., returned to Charlotte to help manage the Alexander Funeral Home, a family business that was started by his grandfather, Zechariah Alexander, Sr., in 1914; and
Whereas, Kelly Miller Alexander, Jr., served as a member of several boards and commissions, including the Charlotte‑Mecklenburg Planning Commission, Friendship Community Development Corporation, North Carolina Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission, Airport Advisory Committee, Black Political Caucus of Charlotte‑Mecklenburg, 100 Black Men of Charlotte, University Park Neighborhood Association, Z. Smith Reynolds Advisory Board, and General Alumni Association Board of Directors of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; and
Whereas, Kelly Miller Alexander, Jr., helped to advance racial justice and economic equity like his father as a leader of the NAACP. He served as president of the Charlotte Branch of the NAACP and North Carolina NAACP, as a member of the NAACP National Board of Directors and NAACP Special Contribution Board, and as both a Life Member and Golden Heritage Life Member of the NAACP; and
Whereas, Kelly Miller Alexander, Jr., was a highly capable public servant who devoted his time, energy, and talents to the betterment of the State, representing Mecklenburg County in the House of Representatives from 2009 to 2024; and
Whereas, while a member of the legislature, Kelly Miller Alexander, Jr., was especially interested in criminal justice reform, economic development, legalizing medical marijuana, and expansion of access to healthcare, education, and high‑speed internet to underserved communities and rural areas. He served on numerous committees, including Agriculture, Alcoholic Beverage Control, Education (Universities), Energy and Public Utilities, Environment, and Finance; and
Whereas, Kelly Miller Alexander, Jr., was recognized for his many contributions to the NAACP, receiving the National NAACP Outstanding State Conference President Award; and
Whereas, Kelly Miller Alexander, Jr., also received numerous awards and recognitions from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, including the Harvey E. Beech Outstanding Alumni Award, Order of the Old Well, and membership in the Society of Janus; and
Whereas, Kelly Miller Alexander, Jr., was a lifelong member of the Friendship Missionary Baptist Church of Charlotte, served as a member of the Rosa M. Morris #650 Order of the Eastern Star and Zechariah Alexander Sr. Lodge #833, and was a 32nd‑degree Mason, Prince Hall Affiliation, F&AM of North Carolina; and
Whereas, Kelly Miller Alexander, Jr., passed away on September 6, 2024, after a lifetime of working on behalf of people of his community and this State; and
Whereas, Kelly Miller Alexander, Jr., is survived by his son, Kelly M. Alexander, III, brother, Alfred Alexander, and several other close family members; Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:
SECTION 1.  The General Assembly recognizes and expresses its appreciation for the public service rendered by Kelly Miller Alexander, Jr., which has contributed to the betterment of the State of North Carolina.
SECTION 2.  The General Assembly extends its sincerest sympathy to the family of Kelly Miller Alexander, Jr., in the loss of one of its most distinguished and outstanding members.
SECTION 3.  The Secretary of State shall transmit a copy of this resolution to the family of Kelly Miller Alexander, Jr.
SECTION 4.  This resolution is effective upon ratification.