2026 SESSION
ENROLLED
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 89
Celebrating the life of Eugene Williams.
Agreed to by the Senate, February 12, 2026
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 16, 2026
WHEREAS, Eugene Williams, an honorable veteran, accomplished businessman, distinguished civil rights leader, and beloved member of the Charlottesville community, died on October 18, 2025; and
WHEREAS, after graduating from Jefferson High School of Charlottesville and the Southern University and Agricultural and Mechanical College, Eugene Williams served his country honorably as a member of the United States Air Force; and
WHEREAS, Eugene Williams served as director of the Charlottesville office of the Black-owned Richmond Beneficial Insurance Company, earning top sales honors as he worked tirelessly for the well-being of his clients; and
WHEREAS, growing up during the era of segregation, Eugene Williams endured a number of injustices that would harden his resolve to fight for the equality of all throughout his life; and
WHEREAS, while serving as the president of the Charlottesville branch of the NAACP, Eugene Williams and his wife, Lorraine, led the effort to sue the Charlottesville School Board to force the board to adhere to the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling in Brown v. Board of Education ; and