HR 907: Shepherd, Archie S.; condolences

This resolution from the Georgia House of Representatives is a formal tribute to Archie S. Shepherd, a Covington, Georgia native who spent decades in civil rights advocacy and community service in Newton County. It recounts his leadership roles, including president of the Newton County NAACP, founder of a youth mentorship group, president of the Newton County chapter of the National Action Network, and over 50 years with a Prince Hall Masonic lodge, along with service on several local boards. The resolution does not change any Georgia law. It formally expresses the House's regret at his passing and directs the Clerk of the House to prepare a copy of the resolution for delivery to his family.

• Formally expresses the House of Representatives' regret at the death of Archie S. Shepherd and honors his life and memory.
• Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to prepare an official copy of the resolution for Shepherd's family.
• Recites Shepherd's civic history, including leadership positions with the Newton County NAACP, National Action Network, and a Masonic lodge, as the basis for the tribute.

This resolution directly concerns the family of Archie S. Shepherd, who will receive a copy of it, and members of the Newton County community and organizations mentioned, including the Newton County NAACP, the National Action Network chapter, and Prince Hall Masonic Friendship Lodge #20.

The resolution carries no legal or financial effect on Georgians generally. Its significance is symbolic and personal, providing formal public recognition from the Georgia House of Representatives of Shepherd's decades of civil rights and community work in Newton County.

• The resolution's whereas clauses detail Shepherd's roles including Newton County NAACP president (1998-2006), Legal Redress Committee chair (2006-2014), and founder of a Knights of Pythagoras youth council in 2008.
• It notes his 2015 founding of the Newton County chapter of the National Action Network and receipt of the Dorothy Irene Height Trailblazer Award.
• It cites over 50 years of service with Prince Hall Masonic Friendship Lodge #20 and various local board memberships.
• The resolving clause formally honors his life and expresses the House's regret at his passing.
• A further resolving clause directs the Clerk of the House to prepare a copy for distribution to his family.

1. 2025-04-02House Read and Adopted (House)
2. 2025-04-02House First Readers (House)
3. 2025-04-02House Hopper (House)

• Sharon Henderson (D, HD-113)Primary sponsor
• Karen Lupton (D, HD-83)
• Carl Gilliard (D, HD-162)

• condolence resolution
• civil rights
• Newton County
• NAACP
• community service