In Memory of Thomas ``tommy'' Dortch, Jr.

Floor Speech

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Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart and solemn remembrance that I rise today to honor the life and legacy of a great husband, loving father, doting grandfather, inspiring author, innovative entrepreneur, dedicated servant and friend of longstanding, Thomas ``Tommy'' Dortch, Jr. Sadly, Tommy transitioned from this life on February 15, 2023. His funeral service was held on Saturday, February 25, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Lithonia, Georgia. He leaves behind a legacy of service that will not soon be forgotten.

Tommy Dortch was born on April 12, 1950, in Toccoa, Georgia to the union of Thomas W. Dortch, Sr. and Lizzie Mae Dortch. He graduated in 1968 in the first racially integrated class of Whitman High School in Taccoa and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Fort Valley State College (now University) thereafter. While at Fort Valley, he distinguished himself by being elected Student Government Association President. Tommy would then go on to receive several post- graduate degrees and fellowships, including a Master of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from Clark Atlanta University; a Ford Fellowship in the Urban Administration Program at Georgia State University; and Honorary Doctorates from Fayetteville State University, Jarvis Christian College, Fort Valley State University, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, and Livingstone College.

After graduating from Fort Valley, Tommy nobly began his professional career by running voter registration drives to increase voter participation among groups who were historically disenfranchised. In 1974, he began working as the Associate Director of the Georgia Democratic Party, and four years later began working for the office of Senator Sam Nunn, ultimately rising through the ranks to become the first African American State Director to serve in that capacity for a United States Senator.

Always an activist, in 1986, Tommy joined the 100 Black Men of America, Inc., widely known as an organization that is focused on leadership, education, health and wellness, and youth mentoring. Tommy served as Chairman of the 100 Black Men of Atlanta and served twice as the Chairman of the 100 Black Men of America's Board of Directors. His leadership was instrumental in transforming the organization as a powerful force for Black youth empowerment. Tommy was always looking for ways to help young people reach their full potential and in 1986, he founded the Black Alumni Hall of Fame Foundation, Inc.--an organization that has awarded over $1.1 million in scholarships to the students of our nation's Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

After sixteen years of government service, Tommy left his position as State Director to pursue his own business interests, including minority and small business development and non-profit organizations. He served as the CEO of the consulting firm TWD, Inc. and the Atlanta Transportation Systems, Inc.; Chairman and CEO of Cornerstone Parking; and Managing Partner of FAD Consulting, LLC. He co-founded the Georgia Association of Minority Entrepreneurs (GAME) to fill a void in the state as an-advocacy organization for minority business development. Tommy also co-founded the Greater Atlanta Economic Alliance as a capacity building development organization for the construction and transportation industries.

Tommy was a much sought-after speaker on both a national and international stage to governmental entities, corporations, and educational institutions. He also had many guest appearances on nationally acclaimed television programs to include The Oprah Winfrey Show, CNN, the National Press Club and C-SPAN to name a few.

Because of his advocacy and commitment to community service, Tommy was recognized by several national and international publications to include the 2001, 2002, 2003, and 2004 May editions of Ebony Magazine and one of its 100 Influential African Americans. The Atlanta Business Chronicle included him as one of its 100 most influential Atlantans from 2001 through 2014. Also, Tommy received numerous awards for his service and advocacy for humankind to include 2008 Community Service Professional of the Year; 2008 FraserNet Community Service Award; 2008 Global Leadership Empowerment Award; Atlanta Business Chronicle 50 Most Admired CEOs, and by the Atlanta Magazine as one of its 500 Most Influential Leaders.

Tommy also gave his time, talent, and treasure to many community organizations to include Vice Chairman of the Board of Grady Memorial Corporation; Chairman of the Board, Friendship Force International; Chairman of the Board, Fulton/Dekalb County Hospital Authority; Chairman of the Board of the Atlanta Business League; Chairman of the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation; Board of Trustees, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University; Board of Trustees, Talladega College; and Board of Trustees, Clark Atlanta University.

On a personal note, Tommy was a friend for many years and, along with his wife, Carole, supported my public service in countless ways. I was blessed with his sage advice and counsel over the years, and the world is a better place because of the life that he led,

Jackie Robinson once said that ``a life isn't significant except for its impact on other lives.'' There is no doubt that the life of Thomas ``Tommy'' Dortch, Jr. profoundly impacted countless others. He did so much for so many for so long.

Tommy accomplished much in his life, but none of it would have been possible without the grace of God and the love and support of his wife, Carole, his five children and fourteen grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to have known a man with as much grace, class, and dignity as Thomas ``Tommy'' Dortch, Jr. I ask my colleagues to join my wife, Vivian, and me, along with the nearly 765,000 people of the Second Congressional District in extending our deepest condolences to his family. May they be comforted by their faith, the grace of God, and the Holy Spirit in the days, weeks, and months ahead.

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