Virginia legislation · 2026 Special I
Virginia HR2179: Commending Grady James, Ph.D.
Status: Passed one chamber, June 30, 2026
What the bill says
From the enrolled text, June 30, 2026:
2026 SPECIAL SESSION I HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2179 Commending Grady James, Ph.D. Agreed to by the House of Delegates, June 22, 2026 WHEREAS, on January 26, 2026, Grady James, Ph.D., celebrated his 100th birthday, marking a century of remarkable achievements, service, and impact in the fields of education and broadcasting; and WHEREAS, a native of Ocala, Florida, Dr. James served two years in the United States Army before pursuing higher education; in 1960, he came to Norfolk State University (NSU), then a division of Virginia State University, where he earned advanced degrees and began a distinguished career that would help train television professionals employed by major broadcast companies across the nation; and WHEREAS, Dr. James was originally hired as director of NSU's Educational Media Center, a position similar to one he previously held at Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana; and WHEREAS, several years later, Dr. James designed NSU's first television studios, equipping them with color cameras, teleprompters, appropriate lighting systems, and professional news sets; these studios became essential laboratories for teaching mass communications courses and preparing generations of students for careers in media; and WHEREAS, Dr. James had always been interested in both teaching at a Historically Black College or University and working in broadcasting, and he found the opportunity to pursue both passions at NSU and WTAR radio …
Sponsors
- Bonita Anthony (D, 92) · primary sponsor
- Jessica Anderson (D, 71)
- David Bulova (D, 11)
- Katrina Callsen (D, 54)
- Stacey Carroll (D, 64)
- Joshua Cole (D, 65)
- Nicole Cole (D, 66)
- Rae Cousins (D, 79)
- Lindsey Dougherty (D, 75)
- Debra Gardner (D, 76)
- Jackie Glass (D, 93)
- Patrick Hope (D, 1)
Latest actions
- : Bill text as passed House (HR2179ER)
- : Agreed to by House by voice vote
- : Engrossed by House
- : Presented and laid on Speaker's table 26200312D
Common questions
- What is HR2179?
- HR2179 is a bill in the Virginia Legislature (2026 Special I): Commending Grady James, Ph.D.
- What is the status of HR2179?
- Passed one chamber as of June 30, 2026. Latest action: Bill text as passed House (HR2179ER) (June 30, 2026).
- Who sponsored HR2179?
- Bonita Anthony (D, 92), with 11 co-sponsors.
- Where is the official record for HR2179?
- On the Virginia Legislature website: https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20262/HR2179
Source: official Virginia record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.