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CER 26-0157

Romaine B. Thomas Posthumous Recognition Resolution of 2026

26th Council Period (2025-2026) Introduced by Janeese Lewis George

The bill posthumously honors Romaine B. Thomas for her lifelong leadership in education, civic life, and advocacy for seniors in the District of Columbia.

Retained by the Council
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Bill Summary · CER 26-0157

Summary of CER 26-0157: Romaine B. Thomas Posthumous Recognition Resolution of 2026

Overview

  • Type: Ceremonial resolution
  • Jurisdiction: District of Columbia (Washington, DC)
  • Sponsor: Councilmember Janeese Lewis George (co-sponsor listed)
  • Status: Retained by the Council as of May 5, 2026; previously introduced (April 29, 2026) and withdrawn (April 30, 2026)

Purpose and Intent

  • The primary purpose is to honor and celebrate the life and legacy of Romaine B. Thomas and to acknowledge her lifelong contributions to the District of Columbia.
  • The resolution serves as a posthumous recognition of her leadership, public service, and advocacy across education, civic engagement, and aging/senior services.

Key Provisions and Provisions Details

  • Recognition of Personal and Professional Achievements:
    • Romaine B. Thomas was a native Washingtonian (born June 5, 1929; died April 27, 2026, at age 96).
    • Professionally, she was a teacher and later a principal of John Henry Ketchum Elementary School, contributing to generations of students and families.
    • She received the National Distinguished Principal Award from the U.S. Secretary of Education for outstanding leadership in education.
    • Educational background includes a Bachelor of Science from Miners Teachers College and a Master of Arts from The George Washington University, with further study at Vanderbilt University and in London, England.
  • Civic Leadership and Community Service:
    • Held leadership roles such as President of the Woodridge Civic Association and Second Vice President of the DC Federation of Civic Associations.
    • Advocated for seniors and residents with disabilities: President of the Executive Council of D.C.'s AARP and Chairperson of the D.C. Commission on Aging.
    • Active in Democratic politics: Chairwoman of the D.C. Democratic Convention and delegate to the 2012 Democratic National Convention.
    • Recognized as a pillar of the Ward 5 community for sustained advocacy and leadership.
  • Recognition Language:
    • The resolution characterizes her as a figure who contributed to education, civic life, and public service in the District of Columbia.

Who/What Is Affected

  • Directly Affected: Romaine B. Thomas (posthumous recognition may influence how her contributions are commemorated by the District).
  • Indirectly Affected: The District of Columbia community, particularly education stakeholders, aging and senior advocacy groups, and residents of Ward 5 who may view the resolution as a formal acknowledgment of a notable local leader.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Introduction Date: April 29, 2026.
  • Actions: The bill was introduced and later listed as withdrawn and then retained by the Council (as of May 5, 2026).
  • Effective Date: The resolution is stated to take effect immediately upon passage.
  • Format: Ceremonial resolution, primarily for recognition and commemoration rather than creating new law or fiscal obligations.

Practical Implications

  • Serves as an official acknowledgement by the District of Columbia Council of Romaine B. Thomas’s impact.
  • Provides a formal platform to highlight her work in education, aging services, and civic participation.
  • Potentially informs future community commemorations or district historical records related to Ward 5 and DC education leadership.

If you’d like, I can condense this into a one-paragraph brief or expand with a short biographical sidebar drawing from the bill’s details.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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