SR259: SR259 Simmons, Reverend Vandy Carl; recognize

This resolution is a formal honor passed by the Georgia Senate. It does not change any law; instead it recognizes Reverend Vandy Carl Simmons, a native of Tifton, Georgia, who has served as senior pastor of Antioch A.M.E. Church in Stone Mountain since October 2016, for receiving the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Service Award. The resolution describes his work leading renovations at the church, building partnerships with a local middle school and park group, raising more than $73,000 for community assistance, and running programs during the COVID-19 pandemic such as a virtual learning center and testing site. The Senate directs its Secretary to prepare a copy of the resolution for delivery to Reverend Simmons.

• Formally recognizes and commends Reverend Vandy Carl Simmons for receiving the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Service Award.
• States the Senate's official praise for his ministry, community outreach, and leadership at Antioch A.M.E. Church since 2016.
• Directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare and distribute a copy of the resolution to Reverend Simmons.
• Creates no new law, funding, or regulatory requirement; it is a ceremonial statement by the chamber.

The resolution directly names and honors Reverend Vandy Carl Simmons and, by extension, the congregation of Antioch A.M.E. Church in Stone Mountain and the surrounding community groups he has partnered with, such as Freedom Middle School and Friends of Hairston Park.

The resolution carries no legal or financial effect for Georgians generally; its practical impact is limited to formally honoring one individual's community service and providing him with an official copy of the Senate's commendation.

• The whereas clauses describe Reverend Simmons's background, church renovations, community partnerships, and pandemic-era programs such as PPP funding and a COVID-19 testing site.
• The resolving clause formally recognizes and commends him for the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Service Award.
• A final clause directs the Secretary of the Senate to distribute a copy of the resolution to Reverend Simmons.

1. 2025-02-26Senate Read and Adopted (Senate)
2. 2025-02-25Senate Hopper (Senate)

• Randal Mangham (D, SD-055)Primary sponsor

• community recognition
• Stone Mountain
• faith leaders
• Senate resolutions