Nettie Pearl Drayton Hailes Memorial Recognition Resolution of 2026

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A CEREMONIAL RESOLUTION

26-127

IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

February 3, 2026

To recognize, honor, and celebrate the life of Nettie Pearl Drayton Hailes for her lifelong service,
faith, leadership, and unwavering commitment to civil rights, community uplift, and the
people of the District of Columbia.

WHEREAS, Ms. Nettie Pearl Drayton Hailes was born on April 10, 1928, to Laura and
Almon Drayton in Thomasville, Georgia, and was raised in a Christian home grounded in faith,
service, and resilience;

WHEREAS, Ms. Hailes was part of The Great Migration, relocating with her family from
the Jim Crow South to New Brunswick, New Jersey, where she pursued her education while
working to support her family, and later lived in New Bedford, Massachusetts, and Washington,
D.C.;

WHEREAS, Ms. Hailes devoted her life to faith, family, and service, and was a lifelong
disciple of Jesus Christ, an active church leader across multiple congregations, and a steadfast
supporter of ministry and community care;

WHEREAS, Ms. Hailes was married in 1946 to the late Rev. Dr. Edward A. Hailes, Sr.,
and together they dedicated their lives to ministry, civil rights, and service, including his
leadership as Executive Secretary of the District of Columbia Branch of the NAACP and
coordination of the 1963 March on Washington;

WHEREAS, Ms. Hailes marched proudly in the 1963 March on Washington and lived a
life rooted in the pursuit of racial justice, gender equity, and democratic participation, inspired by
leaders such as Mary McLeod Bethune, Dr. Dorothy Irene Height, and Rev. Dr. Martin Luther
King, Jr.;

WHEREAS, Ms. Hailes was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-
grandmother, and created a home centered on faith, learning, culture, generosity, and care for
others;
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WHEREAS, Ms. Hailes was a lifelong activist and community leader who served as a
Girl Scout leader, YWCA board member, advisor to young women, educator, entrepreneur, and
mentor;

WHEREAS, Ms. Hailes was a distinguished leader within the National Council of Negro
Women, including service as the 19th President of the Washington Section from 1997 to 1999,
and played a key role in health advocacy, fundraising, and preserving the organization’s historic
headquarters on Pennsylvania Avenue;

WHEREAS, Ms. Hailes was a Legacy Life Member and Historian Emeritus of the
Washington Section of the National Council of Negro Women, and received numerous honors
recognizing her leadership, historical stewardship, and service to women and families;

WHEREAS, Ms. Hailes continued her advocacy into her later years as an Ambassador
for the American Association of Retired Persons, focusing on protecting seniors from fraud and
advancing affordable senior housing in the District of Columbia, including successful advocacy
for senior housing in the redevelopment of the Walter Reed site in Northwest Washington;

WHEREAS, Ms. Hailes was also a licensed realtor who helped make homeownership
possible for many families and remained deeply engaged in civic life, church leadership, and
community organizing throughout her life;

WHEREAS, Ms. Nettie Pearl Drayton Hailes passed peacefully on January 10, 2026, in
Washington, D.C., surrounded by her loving family, leaving behind a profound legacy of faith,
courage, service, and love that will continue to inspire generations.

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this
resolution may be cited as the “Nettie Pearl Drayton Hailes Memorial Recognition Resolution of
2026”.

Sec. 2. The Council of the District of Columbia recognizes, honors, and remembers the
extraordinary life, leadership, and legacy of Ms. Nettie Pearl Drayton Hailes.

Sec. 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately.