2026 SESSION
ENROLLED
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 88
Celebrating the life of the Reverend Dr. Sylvester L. Turner.
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, January 27, 2026
Agreed to by the Senate, January 29, 2026
WHEREAS, the Reverend Dr. Sylvester L. Turner, a distinguished pastor, community leader, mentor, and historian, who worked tirelessly to advance racial reconciliation and healing in Richmond over many years, died on January 11, 2026; and
WHEREAS, Sylvester Turner grew up in the Gilpin Court development of Richmond and served his country with honor and distinction as a member of the United States Air Force before returning to his hometown; and
WHEREAS, known affectionately as “Reverend Tee,” Sylvester Turner provided his congregation at Pilgrim Baptist Church in Richmond with uplifting spiritual guidance and abundant opportunities for joyful worship and community outreach; and
WHEREAS, in the early 1990s, Sylvester Turner served as the executive director of the Peter Paul Development Center, leading the organization's efforts to support the students and families of Richmond's East End; and
WHEREAS, Sylvester Turner was instrumental to the creation of the Richmond Slave Trail and led thousands of people on tours of the trail in collaboration with Hope in the Cities, an Initiatives of Change USA program; and