Georgia CommonsHR 237: Suttles, John; commend
Last action February 11, 2025 · House Read and Adopted
A Georgia House resolution commends John Suttles of Johns Creek for his role as a teenage participant in the 1965 Selma civil rights marches, including Bloody Sunday.
The summaries below were written by an AI model (claude-sonnet-5) from the text of the resolution and are not part of it. Quote the text, not the summary. The stored text is the Introduced version, the latest LegiScan holds.
In plain language
This is a commendation resolution from the Georgia House of Representatives, not a change to state law. It recognizes John Suttles, who at 16 years old took part in the March 7, 1965 Bloody Sunday march in Selma, Alabama, and was later hospitalized due to violence during the event. He went on to join subsequent marches, including the successful march that reached Montgomery on March 24, 1965. The resolution credits Suttles and other demonstrators with contributing to the passage of the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965. It notes that he and his wife, Kay, now live in Johns Creek, Georgia, and encourages his civic legacy. The House formally commends him for his bravery and directs the Clerk of the House to provide him a copy of the resolution.
What the bill does
- Formally recognizes and commends John Suttles for his participation in the 1965 Selma civil rights marches.
- States the House's view that his actions contributed to the passage of the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965.
- Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to prepare and distribute a copy of the resolution to John Suttles.
- Extends the House's best wishes to Suttles for future health and happiness.
Who it affects
The resolution directly honors John Suttles, a Johns Creek, Georgia resident, and his wife Kay. It does not create legal obligations for the public, businesses, or government agencies beyond the Clerk of the House preparing a commemorative copy.
Why it matters
The resolution carries no legal effect or funding, but it is an official public statement by the Georgia House recognizing Suttles's role in the civil rights movement, giving formal state acknowledgment to his personal history and its connection to voting rights history.
Key provisions
- The whereas clauses recount Suttles's participation in the March 7, 1965 Bloody Sunday march at age 16 and his hospitalization from resulting violence.
- The whereas clauses describe his participation in the later successful Selma-to-Montgomery march that concluded March 24, 1965.
- The resolved clause formally commends Suttles for his bravery, courage, and contributions to racial justice and equality.
- The final clause directs the Clerk of the House to make a copy of the resolution available for distribution to Suttles.
From the bill
“John Suttles courageously participated in the historic Bloody Sunday march in Selma, Alabama, on March 7, 1965, at just 16 years old, walking in pursuit of civil rights alongside hundreds of peaceful demonstrators”
“the sacrifices of John Suttles and his fellow demonstrators contributed to the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which was signed into law that August, securing legal protections for African American voters”
Status timeline
- House Read and Adopted (House)
- House First Readers (House)
- House Hopper (House)
Sponsors
- Michelle Au (D, HD-050)
- Miriam Paris (D, HD-142)
- Segun Adeyina (D, HD-110)
- Terry Cummings (D, HD-039)
Topics
- civil rights history
- Georgia House resolutions
- Selma marches
- civic recognition