Georgia General Assembly · Full text

SR 1103: Improved Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the World; commend

Enrolled version, the latest LegiScan holds · Last action April 2, 2026 · Passed

The text as LegiScan holds it, read from the PDF the legislature publishes with its margin line numbers, running heads, and page footers removed. Line breaks are joined into paragraphs here; no word is changed.

Copy for LLM, View as markdown, and Send to AI use the Markdown version: this text, then the summaries under a heading that names them as ours. View raw is the text alone.

Back to the summary

Senate Resolution 1103

By: Senator Jones II of the 22nd

A RESOLUTION

Commending the Improved Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the World; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, the Improved Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the World has grown into the largest Black fraternal organization in the world with more than 500,000 members across over 1,500 lodges, advancing programs that support education, youth development, and community service; and

WHEREAS, the Improved Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the World was formally established on September 28, 1898, in Cincinnati, Ohio, when Arthur James Riggs and Benjamin Franklin Howard organized Alpha Lodge No. 1 to create a fraternal organization for people of color; and

WHEREAS, despite facing persistent legal challenges and discriminatory opposition, the organization endured and expanded its reach, strengthening its mission and presence across the nation and beyond; and

WHEREAS, on June 13, 1902, Emma Virginia Kelly organized the Daughters of Elks in Norfolk, Virginia, establishing an auxiliary body that further broadened the organization's impact, with Norfolk Temple No. 1 recognized as the first temple; and

WHEREAS, guided by principles of Charity, Justice, Brotherly and Sisterly Love, and Fidelity, the organization has developed numerous departments, including education, medical services, veterans affairs, youth programs, civil liberties, and historical preservation; and

WHEREAS, through these initiatives, the organization has provided scholarships, supported youth through educational and enrichment programs, and delivered extensive community service efforts that continue to uplift individuals and families; and

WHEREAS, it is abundantly fitting and proper to honor the Improved Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the World during this special time.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body commend the Improved Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the World for its enduring commitment to service, education, and community advancement as well as extend best wishes for continued success.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to the Improved Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the World.