HR841: HR841 Black, Charles; outstanding contributions to civil rights, education and community service; commend

25 LC 112 3530 House Resolution 841 By: Representatives Bell of the 75 th, Holly of the 116th, Berry of the 56th, McQueen of the 61st, and Willis of the 55th A RESOLUTION Recognizing and commending Charles Black for his outstanding contributions to civil rights,1 education, and community service; and for other purposes.2 WHEREAS, Charles Black, a native of Miami, Florida, has dedicated his life to the pursuit3 of justice, equality, and civic engagement, leaving an indelible mark on the State of Georgia4 and the nation; and5 WHEREAS, he is an esteemed alumnus of Morehouse College, where he distinguished6 himself as a scholar and leader, serving as a member of the varsity debate team, editor of the7 college newspaper, president of the senior class, and chairman of The 1960's Atlanta Student8 Movement; and9 WHEREAS, Charles Black played a pivotal role in the Civil Right s Movement, being a10 signer and co-author of the Appeal for Human Rights, a foundational document advocating11 for the desegregation of public spaces and the advancement of human rights; and12 WHEREAS, he was among only eight students privileged to study under Dr. Martin Luther13 King Jr., further cementing his commitment to nonviolent activism and the fight for racial14 justice; and15 H. R. 841 - 1 - 25 LC 112 3530 WHEREAS, Charles Black is a 1971 alumnus of Leadership Atlanta and has served as16 chairman of the Boards of Illien Adoptions International, Freed om University, and The17 Foundation for Our Children, demonstrating his unwavering commi tment to social justice18 and education; and19 WHEREAS, he has held numerous leadership roles, including past chairman of the Board20 of Hammonds House Museum, past editor of The Atlanta Inquirer Newspaper Inc., and past21 CEO of the national consulting firm Frontiers Unlimited Inc., which he co-founded alongside22 civil rights icons John Lewis, Julian Bond, and Lonnie King Jr.; and23 WHEREAS, his influence extends into the political and civic are nas, having served as an24 advisor and manager of numerous campaigns, mentoring younger generations of community25 and political activists on matters of civil and human rights; and26 WHEREAS, beyond his activism, Charles Black is a veteran actor of stage, screen, and27 television, starring in a series of faith-based films with trai ning guides used in over 3,00028 churches nationwide, further impacting communities through the arts; and29 WHEREAS, in recognition of his lifelong dedication to community service and civil rights,30 Charles Black was awarded the Presidential Medal of Honor by Pr esident Barack Obama,31 a testament to his enduring impact on the nation; and32 WHEREAS, it is abundantly fitting and proper that this body rec ognize the exceptional33 achievements of Charles Black and extend gratitude for his cont ributions to the State of34 Georgia and the broader global community.35 H. R. 841 - 2 - 25 LC 112 3530 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that36 the members of this body recognize and commend Charles Black fo r his outstanding37 contributions to civil rights, education, and community service as well as express their38 sincere appreciation for his lasting influence.39 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized40 and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution ava ilable for distribution to41 Charles Black.42 H. R. 841 - 3 -