SR285: SR285 Andrew J. Young Day; recognize February 28, 2025

This resolution is a ceremonial honor passed by the Georgia Senate. It recognizes February 28, 2025 as Andrew J. Young Day at the state capitol, citing his more than 65 years of public service, his time as a U.S. congressman from Georgia, his role as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations under President Carter, his two terms as Mayor of Atlanta, and his many honors and board memberships. The resolution does not create any new law, program, or funding. It simply states the Senate's recognition of Young's contributions and directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare a copy of the resolution for delivery to him.

• Formally designates February 28, 2025 as Andrew J. Young Day at the Georgia state capitol.
• Recites Young's biography, including his service in Congress, as U.N. ambassador, and as Atlanta mayor, without altering any statute.
• Directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare and distribute a copy of the resolution to Andrew J. Young.
• Creates no funding, penalties, or ongoing legal obligations; it is a one-time honorary declaration.

This resolution mainly affects Andrew J. Young himself, as the honoree, and the Georgia Senate, which formally recognizes him. It has no direct legal or financial effect on the general public, businesses, or government agencies.

The resolution has no practical legal effect on Georgians' daily lives. Its significance is symbolic: it is a formal, public acknowledgment by the state Senate of Andrew J. Young's contributions to civil rights, diplomacy, and Atlanta's economic growth.

• The resolution's whereas clauses describe Young's background, including his congressional service, U.N. ambassadorship, and role in ending white-minority rule in Namibia and Zimbabwe.
• It notes his tenure as Atlanta mayor, crediting him with attracting over 1,100 businesses and more than $70 billion in foreign investment.
• It resolves that the Senate recognizes February 28, 2025 as Andrew J. Young Day at the state capitol.
• It directs the Secretary of the Senate to make a copy of the resolution available for distribution to Andrew J. Young.

1. 2025-02-27Senate Read and Adopted (Senate)
2. 2025-02-26Senate Hopper (Senate)

• Emanuel Jones (D, SD-010)Primary sponsor
• Elena Parent (D, SD-044)
• Kim Jackson (D, SD-041)
• Harold Jones (D, SD-022)
• Kenya Wicks (D, SD-034)
• RaShaun Kemp (D, SD-038)
• Sally Harrell (D, SD-040)
• Donzella James (D, SD-028)
• Randal Mangham (D, SD-055)
• Ed Harbison (D, SD-015)
• Freddie Sims (D, SD-012)
• Derek Mallow (D, SD-002)
• Sheikh Rahman (D, SD-005)
• Nabilah Islam Parkes (D, SD-007)
• Tonya Anderson (D, SD-043)
• David Lucas (D, SD-026)

• Andrew J. Young
• civil rights recognition
• Georgia Senate resolutions
• Atlanta history