HR239: HR239 116th Founders Day of the NAACP; recognize

25 LC 112 2976 House Resolution 239 By: Representatives Reese of the 140th, Crawford of the 89th, Olaleye of the 59th, Jackson of the 68th, and Bell of the 75th A RESOLUTION Commemorating the 116th Founders Day of the NAACP; and for other purposes.1 WHEREAS, the Georgia NAACP proudly celebrates the legacy and enduring contributions2 of the founders of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People3 (NAACP) on its 116th Founders Day, recognizing their commitment to justice, equality, and4 the upliftment of African Americans; and5 WHEREAS, the founding of the NAACP on February 12, 1909, marked a pivotal moment6 in American history, sparked by a call for action led by Mary W hite Ovington, Oswald7 Garrison Villard, William English Walling, and Dr. Henry Moscow itz, descendants of8 abolitionists who sought to address the urgent need for racial justice in the United States; and9 WHEREAS, these visionary leaders, alongside W. E. B. Du Bois, Ida B. Wells-Barnett, and10 Mary Church Terrell, convened to unite diverse voices in the fi ght against racial11 discrimination and inequality; and12 WHEREAS, Mary White Ovington, a descendant of abolitionist Will iam Lloyd Garrison,13 and Oswald Garrison Villard, a descendant of the prominent jour nalist and abolitionist,14 played key roles in founding the NAACP, committing themselves to the cause of civil rights15 H. R. 239 - 1 - 25 LC 112 2976 and social justice as well as contributing to the organization's early activism and efforts to16 combat racial injustice; and17 WHEREAS, William English Walling and Dr. Henry Moscowitz, who called for the initial18 meeting to address the racial violence and discrimination faced by African Americans,19 helped catalyze the creation of an organization that would grow into one of the most20 powerful advocates for civil rights in American history; and21 WHEREAS, the contributions of W. E. B. Du Bois, a pioneering scholar and activist, and Ida22 B. Wells-Barnett, a fearless anti-lynching crusader, were indispensable in the formation of23 the NAACP, providing intellectual leadership and moral clarity in the struggle for racial24 justice; likewise, Mary Church Terrell's advocacy for women's rights and African American25 equality remains a cornerstone of the organization's foundational values; and26 WHEREAS, throughout its storied history, the Georgia NAACP has been at the forefront of27 advocating for civil rights, ensuring equitable access to education, healthcare, employment,28 and housing as well as fostering political, social, and economi c justice for all people29 regardless of race; and30 WHEREAS, through organizing protests, litigation, lobbying, and public education, the31 Georgia NAACP has been instrumental in dismantling the structur es of segregation and32 discrimination, paving the way for future generations to continue the fight for racial justice33 and equality; and34 WHEREAS, as we mark the 116th Founders Day, we honor the resili ence, courage, and35 tireless efforts of those who have contributed to this movement, past and present, as well as36 H. R. 239 - 2 - 25 LC 112 2976 renew our commitment to carrying forward their vision of a world in which all people can37 live with dignity and without fear of discrimination; and38 WHEREAS, the Georgia NAACP continues to stand resolutely against systemic racism and39 injustice, advocating for transformative change in laws, polici es, and institutions to create40 a future of equal opportunity for all, regardless of race or background; and41 WHEREAS, on this special day, we reflect on the ongoing need for the work of the NAACP,42 recognizing both the progress made and the challenges that remain in achieving true racial43 equality and justice in Georgia and across the nation.44 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that45 the members of this body commemorate the 116th Founders Day of the NAACP in honor of46 the vision, perseverance, and leadership of those who laid its foundation as well as recommit47 to advancing the cause of civil rights for all people in Georgia and beyond.48 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized49 and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution avai lable for distribution to the50 public and the press.51 H. R. 239 - 3 -