[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 69 (Thursday, April 24, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E339]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING PASTOR VICTOR HARDY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. GREG STANTON

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 24, 2025

  Mr. STANTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy 
of Pastor Victor Hardy, a beloved community leader, committed advocate, 
and upstanding citizen of the City of Chandler. Victor passed away on 
March 22, 2025, at the age of 63, after a lifetime of faith, friendship 
and service. Chandler--and all of Arizona--is a kinder, more just place 
for his presence among us.
  Born and raised in Portsmouth, Virginia, Victor attended neighboring 
Norfolk State University where he studied music and performance. There, 
he met his beloved wife of 40 years, Cynthia. His lifelong devotion to 
serving God and his country was clear early in his life. After 
graduation, he served in the Virginia Army National Guard and the 
United State Air Force and pursued another degree in religious studies 
at Liberty University.
  The Chandler Community was blessed nearly 26 years ago, when Victor 
moved his family to their new home in Arizona. He volunteered 
tirelessly with the school districts, the city, Chandler Tullamore 
Sister Cities organizations, East Valley NAACP, and many other local 
organizations and nonprofits. His particular focus was to uplift 
African American men in our community. Over a decade ago, Victor 
founded the Chandler Men of Action, a profoundly impactful organization 
that empowers African American youth and honors the many contributions 
of African American men to Arizona. He became the first and only 
African American to hold the title of Executive Director at For Our 
City Chandler, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting collaboration and 
compassion in Chandler. In 2022, the Chandler City Council honored 
Victor with the MLK Lifetime Achievement Award to recognize his service 
to our community, which has helped to realize Dr. Martin Luther King, 
Jr.'s dream of a better, more just Nation.
  Pastor Victor Hardy was ordained in 2012. Just three years later, he 
became the first African American solo pastor at the Congregational 
Church of the Valley. Victor built a welcoming and inviting space for 
congregants, and his congregation described him as a dedicated pastor--
and as a friend and mentor. He challenged his members to deepen their 
connection to their community and was a vocal champion of public 
servants, like our teachers and law enforcement officers--he even led a 
First Respondents Blessing each September.
  Victor's love of music steered his service as well. Coming from three 
generations of African Methodist Episcopal church leaders, Victor's 
musicality was fostered in church growing up. He founded and directed 
the Chandler Centennial Celebration Choir in 2012, created the Chandler 
High School Gospel Choir Club, and emceed the Chandler Symphony 
Orchestra Gala. Under his leadership, the Chandler High School Gospel 
Choir went on to perform at a number of high-profile shows.
  Pastor Victor Hardy's dedication to the Chandler community is 
remarkable and deeply appreciated by the city's residents. My prayers 
are with his family, including Cynthia and his sons, David, Julian and 
Patrick. Victor will be deeply missed by his congregation and all of 
those committed to justice and societal change. His compassionate 
legacy of service will be felt for generations to come--Arizona owes 
him a debt of gratitude. I thank Victor, and Godspeed.

                          ____________________