HR986: HR986 National Newspaper Publishers Association; commend

This resolution is a ceremonial statement from the Georgia House of Representatives. It recounts the history of the Black Press in America, starting with the first Black-owned newspaper, Freedom's Journal, in 1827, and the 1940 founding of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), a trade group now representing more than 200 Black-owned newspapers and media companies. The resolution formally recognizes and commends the NNPA and its members, singles out The Savannah Tribune for its 150th anniversary, and salutes the NNPA for holding its 2025 National Convention in Savannah, Georgia. It directs the Clerk of the House to prepare a copy of the resolution for the association. The resolution creates no new law, funding, or enforceable requirement; it only expresses the House's recognition and appreciation.

• Formally recognizes and commends the National Newspaper Publishers Association and its more than 200 member publishers.
• Specifically commends The Savannah Tribune newspaper for celebrating 150 years as a Savannah tradition in 2025.
• Salutes the NNPA for holding its 2025 National Convention in Savannah, Georgia.
• Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to prepare and distribute a copy of the resolution to the NNPA.

The resolution directly names the National Newspaper Publishers Association, its more than 200 member Black-owned newspapers and media companies, and specifically The Savannah Tribune. It also involves the Clerk of the House, who must prepare and distribute the commemorative copy.

The resolution carries no legal or financial effect on Georgians; it is a symbolic honor. Its practical impact is limited to public recognition of the NNPA's history and The Savannah Tribune's anniversary, plus acknowledgment of the association's 2025 convention taking place in Savannah.

• The whereas clauses recount the 1827 founding of Freedom's Journal and the 1940 creation of the NNPA as historical background.
• The first resolving clause commends the NNPA and its members, naming The Savannah Tribune's 150th anniversary specifically.
• The second resolving clause salutes the NNPA for convening its 2025 National Convention in Savannah, Georgia.
• The final clause directs the Clerk of the House to make a copy of the resolution available to the NNPA.

1. 2025-04-04House Read and Adopted (House)
2. 2025-04-04House First Readers (House)
3. 2025-04-04House Hopper (House)

• Edna Jackson (D, HD-165)Primary sponsor
• Anne Westbrook (D, HD-163)
• Ron Stephens (R, HD-164)
• Carl Gilliard (D, HD-162)
• Bill Hitchens (R, HD-161)

• commemorative resolution
• Black press history
• Savannah Tribune
• journalism
• National Newspaper Publishers Association