SR 576: Harden, Nicholas "Big Nick"; recognize

This is a ceremonial resolution passed by the Georgia Senate honoring Nicholas "Big Nick" Harden of Valdosta. It does not change any Georgia law; instead it formally states the Senate's recognition of his community work. The resolution cites his efforts feeding tens of thousands of people after Hurricane Idalia and Hurricane Helene, his work hosting an emergency preparedness town hall, his service as a Valdosta City Councilman, his ownership of Big Nick's Juke Joint, his role in the Southern Georgia Black Chambers, his mentorship of Valdosta High School students, and his earlier career as a radio DJ. The Senate directs its Secretary to prepare a copy of the resolution for Harden as a keepsake.

• Formally commends Nicholas "Big Nick" Harden for humanitarian relief work after Hurricanes Idalia and Helene in Valdosta.
• States the Senate's recognition of his service as a Valdosta City Councilman and his work promoting civic engagement.
• Acknowledges his business, Big Nick's Juke Joint, and his role supporting entrepreneurship through the Southern Georgia Black Chambers.
• Directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare and distribute an official copy of the resolution to Harden.
• Creates no new law, funding, or regulatory requirement; it is a symbolic honor.

The resolution directly names and honors Nicholas "Big Nick" Harden. It also references the City of Valdosta, its residents, the American Red Cross, the Southern Georgia Black Chambers, and Valdosta High School through his community involvement, though it imposes no obligations on them.

The resolution carries no legal or financial effect; it does not create programs, spend money, or change any Georgia statute. Its significance is symbolic, giving official state recognition to one individual's community and disaster relief contributions in Valdosta.

• The whereas clauses detail Harden's hurricane relief efforts, including feeding more than 40,000 people after Hurricane Idalia and 2,000 meals after Hurricane Helene.
• The resolved clause formally commends Harden for his leadership and service to Valdosta and Georgia.
• The final clause directs the Secretary of the Senate to make a copy available for distribution to Harden.

1. 2026-01-16Senate Read and Adopted (Senate)
2. 2026-01-15Senate Hopper (Senate)

• Russ Goodman (R, SD-008)Primary sponsor
• Freddie Sims (D, SD-012)
• Sam Watson (R, SD-011)
• Carden Summers (R, SD-013)
• Harold Jones (D, SD-022)
• David Lucas (D, SD-026)
• Matt Brass (R, SD-006)
• Billy Hickman (R, SD-004)
• Lee Anderson (R, SD-024)
• Sonya Halpern (D, SD-039)
• Timothy Bearden (R, SD-030)
• Drew Echols (R, SD-049)
• Chuck Hufstetler (R, SD-052)
• Frank Ginn (R, SD-047)
• Chuck Payne (R, SD-054)
• Donzella James (D, SD-028)
• RaShaun Kemp (D, SD-038)
• Tonya Anderson (D, SD-043)
• Sally Harrell (D, SD-040)
• John Albers (R, SD-056)
• Kim Jackson (D, SD-041)
• Clint Dixon (R, SD-045)
• Bill Cowsert (R, SD-046)
• Elena Parent (D, SD-044)
• Kenya Wicks (D, SD-034)
• Josh McLaurin (D, SD-014)
• Marty Harbin (R, SD-016)
• Mike Hodges (R, SD-003)
• Ben Watson (R, SD-001)
• Steve Gooch (R, SD-051)

• Valdosta
• legislative honor
• hurricane relief
• community service