Senate Resolution 285
By: Senators Jones of the 10th, Parent of the 44th, Jackson of the 41st, Jones II of the 22nd,
Wicks of the 34th and others
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing February 28, 2025, as Andrew J. Young Day at the state capitol; and for other
purposes.
WHEREAS, Andrew J. Young has earned worldwide recognition as a pioneer and champion
of civil and human rights who has dedicated more than 65 years to public service through
roles in government, diplomacy, and advocacy; and
WHEREAS, through his leadership, countries throughout the world have created a successful
model that combines religion, education, democracy, and free enterprise in ways that support
the public good; and
WHEREAS, he began his political career in the United States House of Representatives as
the first African American representative from the State of Georgia since Reconstruction and
thereafter served as the United States ambassador to the United Nations under President
Jimmy Carter; and
WHEREAS, during his tenure as the United States ambassador, he negotiated an end to
white-minority rule in Namibia and Zimbabwe as well as promoted President Carter's
emphasis on human rights in global diplomacy efforts; and
WHEREAS, as a two-term Mayor of Atlanta, Andrew J. Young was instrumental in the city's
economic expansion, attracting more than 1,100 businesses, securing over $70 billion in
foreign direct investments, and generating more than a million jobs; and
WHEREAS, he has further served on numerous boards, including the Martin Luther King
Center for Nonviolent Social Change, Morehouse College, the Andrew Young School of
Policy Studies at Georgia State University, and AmericasMart; and
WHEREAS, he has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards, including an Emmy
Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011 and the Dan Sweat Award in 2017, and his portrait has
been inducted into the permanent collection of the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery,
cementing his legacy in American history; and
WHEREAS, the devotion of his time, efforts, and energy to the service of others and his
many achievements are worthy of recognition during this special time.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body
recognize February 28, 2025, as Andrew J. Young Day at the state capitol in honor of his
extraordinary contributions to civil rights, diplomacy, public service, and economic
development.
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 Andrew J. Young.