HR 851: Davis, James L.; commend

This is a ceremonial resolution from the Georgia House of Representatives, not a change to state law. It commends James L. Davis, born in 1923 in Lexington, Mississippi, who is celebrating his 102nd birthday this year. The resolution recounts his life story: joining one of the first Black golf clubs west of the Mississippi River in 1939, serving in the United States Army during World War II, working as a horse trainer and track owner in Illinois after the war, and helping lead efforts for fair housing for Black residents in St. Louis during the Civil Rights Movement. The resolution formally congratulates Davis and wishes him continued health and happiness. It also directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to prepare a copy of the resolution for Davis. It does not create any new law, funding, or requirement.

• Formally commends and congratulates James L. Davis on his 102nd birthday on behalf of the Georgia House of Representatives.
• Recounts his military service in the United States Army during World War II and his retirement at the rank of Sergeant.
• Recognizes his career as a horse trainer and track owner in Illinois and his role in Civil Rights era fair housing efforts in St. Louis.
• Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to prepare a copy of the resolution for distribution to Davis.

This resolution directly names and honors James L. Davis. It has no regulatory effect on the public; it involves only the Georgia House of Representatives and its Clerk, who is tasked with preparing a commemorative copy.

The resolution carries no legal or financial consequences and changes no Georgia law. Its significance is symbolic, formally recording the legislature's recognition of one individual's long life, military service, and community leadership in the official record.

• The whereas clauses describe Davis's birth in 1923, his military service in World War II, and his post war career as a horse trainer in Illinois.
• The whereas clauses also credit him with leadership in bringing fair housing to Black residents in St. Louis during the Civil Rights Movement.
• The resolved clause formally commends and congratulates Davis and extends best wishes for his health and happiness.
• A further resolved clause directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to make a copy of the resolution available to Davis.

1. 2025-03-28House Read and Adopted (House)
2. 2025-03-28House First Readers (House)
3. 2025-03-28House Hopper (House)

• Reynaldo "Rey" Martinez (R, HD-111)Primary sponsor
• David Clark (R, HD-100)
• Chas Cannon (R, HD-172)
• Scott Hilton (R, HD-48)
• Gary Richardson (R, HD-125)
• Danny Mathis (R, HD-133)

• commemorative resolution
• military veterans
• civil rights history
• Georgia House of Representatives