1.1A Senate resolution
1.2honoring the life of Brenda Hunter.
1.3WHEREAS, Brenda Hunter was a wife, mother, sister, aunt, friend, and a member of the
1.4Minnesota community since 1972; and
1.5WHEREAS, Brenda was a member of the Grammy-nominated and Stellar Awards-winning
1.6Excelsior Choral Ensemble, established in 1978, where she served as choir president for the entirety
1.7of her membership. Excelsior Chorale Ensemble, affectionately known as Excelsior, was committed
1.8to walking alongside our community, specifically our youth, in discovering, connecting, and
1.9expanding the knowledge, practice, and power of the African tradition of gospel music that is widely
1.10cherished across the African Diaspora. Excelsior has entertained and educated thousands of
1.11Minnesotans and people across the country; and
1.12WHEREAS, Brenda continued her love for gospel music as a member of the Dove and
1.13Stellar Award-nominated group Darnell Davis & The Remnant; and
1.14WHEREAS, Brenda collaborated with numerous organizations, including the Minnesota
1.15State Baptist Convention, Minneapolis Public Schools, and Hennepin County Juvenile Detention
1.16Center, and held the position of Membership Director and Family Coordination Hospitality House
1.17Youth Direction in North Minneapolis where she is affectionately known as Miss Brenda; and
1.18WHEREAS, Brenda was a beacon of love, hope, inspiration, and culture for her role in
1.19educating, inspiring, and promoting the importance of preserving and celebrating African traditions,
1.20values, and narratives through gospel music and was committed to educating and inspiring the next
1.21generation; and
1.22WHEREAS, Brenda passed away on November 20, 2023, and leaves behind her husband,
1.23Reverend Johnny Hunter; her children, RayJahn and De'Jahn; her mother, siblings, nieces, nephews,
1.24great-nieces, and great-nephews; and numerous extended family, godchildren, community children,
1.25and friends; and
1.26WHEREAS, Brenda was a remarkable singer and youth and community leader, whose legacy
1.27of promoting the African tradition through gospel music continues to inspire and educate generations;
1.28and
1.29NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the State of Minnesota that it
1.30honors the memory of Brenda Hunter and recognizes Friday, December 1, 2023, as Brenda Yates
1.31Hunter Day.
1.32BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is directed to prepare an
1.33enrolled copy of this resolution, to be authenticated by the Secretary's signature and that of the
1.34Chair of the Senate Rules and Administration Committee, and transmit it to the family of Brenda
1.35Hunter.

Tom BotternSecretary of the Senate

Kari DziedzicChair, Senate Committee onRules and Administration

Bobby Joe ChampionState Senator, District 59