House approves Johnson resolution honoring former Yakima mayor Henry Beauchamp
Noting that Henry Beauchamp is a man with a “tough mind and a tender heart,” the House of Representatives today honored the former Yakima mayor in a resolution offered by 14th District Rep. Norm Johnson.
House Resolution 4660, approved unanimously by the House, officially recognizes Beauchamp “for his years of dedicated service, his personal and professional integrity, and his faithfulness to the principles and ideals that he worked so diligently for.”
A long-time civil rights leader, Beauchamp opened the Southeast Yakima Community Center in 1971, co-founded the Opportunities Industrialization Center, served 24 years on the Yakima City Council, and was the city’s first African-American mayor.
Today, Beauchamp, his wife, Wilma, and their grandson, Tyler, were seated at the rostrum in the House chamber as lawmakers considered the resolution.
“Henry Beauchamp is a man with a heart as big as Yakima County. He loves his community and especially the young people in our valley. He has provided opportunities for thousands of people, with training and job placement, providing food for families in need, and helping low-income families,” said Johnson, R-Yakima.
“This is a man who would give you the shirt off his back, even if it was his last one, and then ask if you needed something more. He is filled with humility and love for his fellow being,” added Johnson. “I think the reason Henry has such a heart of gold is that he has walked in those same shoes of the less fortunate. He has known hardship, the cruelty of discrimination, and the plight of the disadvantaged. But he also knows that with a helping hand and a warm smile, you can inspire others to do great things.”
Following passage of the resolution, lawmakers in the House gave Beauchamp a standing ovation.
Humbled by the honor, Beauchamp smiled and simply said, “Thank you. Thank you so much!”
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PHOTO: Rep. Norm Johnson, prime sponsor of House Resolution 4660, stands with Henry and Wilma Beauchamp in the House chamber. The resolution, which passed unanimously, honors Henry Beauchamp for his years of public service in Washington.
