HR602: HR602 Yi, Hyong Kun "Sam"; trailblazing and extraordinary contributions to Georgia's jazz community; commend

This resolution is a ceremonial tribute from the Georgia House of Representatives honoring Hyong Kun "Sam" Yi, who died on February 3, 2025. Yi immigrated to the United States from South Korea as a child and settled in Georgia in 1987. He co-founded Churchill Grounds, an Atlanta jazz club in the historic Fox Theatre building, which opened in 1997 and became a well known venue for both famous and up-and-coming jazz musicians until it closed in 2016. The resolution recounts his career, including his later efforts to organize jazz performances at other venues around Atlanta after Churchill Grounds closed. It formally commends him posthumously for his achievements and directs the Clerk of the House to send a copy of the resolution to his family. It does not change any Georgia law.

• Formally commends Hyong Kun "Sam" Yi posthumously for his contributions to Georgia's jazz scene, without changing any law.
• Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to prepare a copy of the resolution for distribution to Yi's family.
• Recites biographical details and career history as the House's official statement of recognition.

This resolution mainly affects Hyong Kun "Sam" Yi's surviving family, including his mother, sister, wife, and nieces and nephews, who receive the House's formal commendation. It has no regulatory effect on the public.

The resolution carries no legal or regulatory effect; it does not create rules, spend money, or change Georgia law. Its significance is symbolic, providing an official, public record of the legislature's recognition of Yi's role in Atlanta's jazz community.

• The resolution's whereas clauses detail Yi's biography, his co-founding of Churchill Grounds in 1997, and its expansion in 2003 to include The Whisper Room stage.
• The resolved clause commends Yi posthumously for his achievements and expresses regret at his passing.
• A further resolved clause directs the Clerk of the House to make a copy available for distribution to Yi's family.

1. 2025-03-13House Read and Adopted (House)
2. 2025-03-13House First Readers (House)
3. 2025-03-13House Hopper (House)

• Omari Crawford (D, HD-089)Primary sponsor
• Long Tran (D, HD-080)
• Michelle Au (D, HD-050)
• Samuel Park (D, HD-107)
• Soo Hong (R, HD-103)

• jazz music
• Atlanta history
• legislative commendation
• Georgia House resolution