House Resolution 239
By: Representatives Reese of the 140th, Crawford of the 89th, Olaleye of the 59th, Jackson of
the 68th, and Bell of the 75th
A RESOLUTION
Commemorating the 116th Founders Day of the NAACP; and for other purposes.
WHEREAS, the Georgia NAACP proudly celebrates the legacy and enduring contributions
of the founders of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People
(NAACP) on its 116th Founders Day, recognizing their commitment to justice, equality, and
the upliftment of African Americans; and
WHEREAS, the founding of the NAACP on February 12, 1909, marked a pivotal moment
in American history, sparked by a call for action led by Mary White Ovington, Oswald
Garrison Villard, William English Walling, and Dr. Henry Moscowitz, descendants of
abolitionists who sought to address the urgent need for racial justice in the United States; and
WHEREAS, these visionary leaders, alongside W. E. B. Du Bois, Ida B. Wells-Barnett, and
Mary Church Terrell, convened to unite diverse voices in the fight against racial
discrimination and inequality; and
WHEREAS, Mary White Ovington, a descendant of abolitionist William Lloyd Garrison,
and Oswald Garrison Villard, a descendant of the prominent journalist and abolitionist,
played key roles in founding the NAACP, committing themselves to the cause of civil rights
and social justice as well as contributing to the organization's early activism and efforts to
combat racial injustice; and
WHEREAS, William English Walling and Dr. Henry Moscowitz, who called for the initial
meeting to address the racial violence and discrimination faced by African Americans,
helped catalyze the creation of an organization that would grow into one of the most
powerful advocates for civil rights in American history; and
WHEREAS, the contributions of W. E. B. Du Bois, a pioneering scholar and activist, and Ida
B. Wells-Barnett, a fearless anti-lynching crusader, were indispensable in the formation of
the NAACP, providing intellectual leadership and moral clarity in the struggle for racial
justice; likewise, Mary Church Terrell's advocacy for women's rights and African American
equality remains a cornerstone of the organization's foundational values; and
WHEREAS, throughout its storied history, the Georgia NAACP has been at the forefront of
advocating for civil rights, ensuring equitable access to education, healthcare, employment,
and housing as well as fostering political, social, and economic justice for all people
regardless of race; and
WHEREAS, through organizing protests, litigation, lobbying, and public education, the
Georgia NAACP has been instrumental in dismantling the structures of segregation and
discrimination, paving the way for future generations to continue the fight for racial justice
and equality; and
WHEREAS, as we mark the 116th Founders Day, we honor the resilience, courage, and
tireless efforts of those who have contributed to this movement, past and present, as well as
renew our commitment to carrying forward their vision of a world in which all people can
live with dignity and without fear of discrimination; and
WHEREAS, the Georgia NAACP continues to stand resolutely against systemic racism and
injustice, advocating for transformative change in laws, policies, and institutions to create
a future of equal opportunity for all, regardless of race or background; and
WHEREAS, on this special day, we reflect on the ongoing need for the work of the NAACP,
recognizing both the progress made and the challenges that remain in achieving true racial
equality and justice in Georgia and across the nation.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that
the members of this body commemorate the 116th Founders Day of the NAACP in honor of
the vision, perseverance, and leadership of those who laid its foundation as well as recommit
to advancing the cause of civil rights for all people in Georgia and beyond.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized
and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution available for distribution to the
public and the press.