Romaine B. Thomas Posthumous Recognition Resolution of 2026

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_____________________________ 1 Councilmember Janeese Lewis George 2 3 4 5 A CEREMONIAL RESOLUTION 6 7 _________________________ 8 9 IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA 10 11 _________________________ 12 13 14 To honor and celebrate the life and legacy of Romaine B. Thomas and recognize her lifelong 15 contributions to the District of Columbia. 16 17 WHEREAS, Romaine B. Thomas, a native Washingtonian, was born on June 5, 1929, 18 and passed away on April 27, 2026, at the age of 96, leaving behind a lasting legacy of service, 19 leadership, and devotion to the District of Columbia; 20 WHEREAS, Romaine B. Thomas was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-21 grandmother, whose commitment to family remained central throughout her life; 22 WHEREAS, Romaine B. Thomas dedicated her professional life to education, serving as 23 a teacher and later as principal of John Henry Ketchum Elementary School, where she shaped the 24 lives of generations of District students and families; 25 WHEREAS, Romaine B. Thomas was awarded the National Distinguished Principal 26 Award by the United States Secretary of Education in recognition of her outstanding leadership 27 and commitment to excellence in education; 28 WHEREAS, Romaine B. Thomas earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Miners 29 Teachers College and a Master of Arts degree from The George Washington University, and 30 pursued additional advanced studies, including at Vanderbilt University and in London, England; 31

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WHEREAS, Romaine B. Thomas was a dedicated civic leader, serving as President of 32 the Woodridge Civic Association and as Second Vice President of the District of Columbia 33 Federation of Civic Associations; 34 WHEREAS, Romaine B. Thomas was a tireless advocate for seniors and residents with 35 disabilities, serving as President of the Executive Council of D.C.’s AARP and as Chairperson of 36 the D.C. Commission on Aging; 37 WHEREAS, Romaine B. Thomas contributed to the District’s civic and political life as 38 Chairwoman of the D.C. Democratic Convention and as a delegate to the 2012 Democratic 39 National Convention; and 40 WHEREAS, Romaine B. Thomas was a pillar of the Ward 5 community, known for her 41 longstanding advocacy, leadership, and commitment to improving the lives of District residents; 42 WHEREAS, Romaine B. Thomas will be remembered for her lifelong dedication to 43 education, civic engagement, and public service in the District of Columbia. 44 RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this 45 resolution may be cited as the “Romaine B. Thomas Posthumous Recognition Resolution of 46 2026”. 47 Sec. 2. The Council of the District of Columbia recognizes and honors the life and legacy 48 of Romaine B. Thomas and expresses its deepest condolences to her family, including former 49 Councilmember Harry Thomas Jr., and all who were touched by her life. 50 Sec. 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately. 51