SR 729: Obama, Former President Barack; commend and condemning racist attacks and rhetoric directed toward him

This is a Senate resolution, a formal statement of the chamber's position rather than a change to Georgia law. It recounts Barack Obama's biography, from his birth in Hawaii through his time at Columbia and Harvard Law School, his service in the Illinois and United States Senates, his two terms as the 44th President, and his 2009 Nobel Peace Prize. The resolution also describes racist attacks Obama has faced, including the birther movement, and a 2026 video posted by the sitting President that it says contained racist tropes and drew criticism from Senator Tim Scott. The Senate resolves to recognize Obama's legacy during Black History Month, condemn racist rhetoric and conduct from any source including the President, and directs the Secretary of the Senate to distribute copies of the resolution to the public and press.

• Formally commends and honors former President Barack Obama's life and public service during Black History Month.
• States the Georgia Senate's condemnation of racist rhetoric and conduct from any source, including from the President of the United States.
• Recounts a 2026 video posted by the sitting President that the resolution describes as containing racist tropes, and cites criticism of it from Senator Tim Scott.
• Directs the Secretary of the Senate to make copies of the resolution available to the public and press.
• Does not create, amend, or repeal any Georgia statute; it is a statement of the Senate's position, not a binding law.

This resolution primarily concerns former President Barack Obama and the sitting President of the United States, whose recent conduct it addresses. It also reflects the position of the members of the Georgia Senate and does not impose obligations on any other group.

Because this is a resolution rather than a law, it does not change any rights, duties, or funding in Georgia. Its practical effect is symbolic: it places the Georgia Senate on record honoring Obama and condemning racist rhetoric, and directs that the statement be publicly distributed.

• The resolution's whereas clauses recount Obama's education, his time in the Illinois and United States Senates, his presidency, and his 2009 Nobel Peace Prize.
• It describes recurring racist attacks against Obama, including the birther movement questioning his eligibility for the presidency.
• It references a 2026 video posted by the sitting President during Black History Month and quotes Senator Tim Scott's criticism of it.
• The resolved clauses state the Senate's recognition of Obama's legacy and its condemnation of racist rhetoric and conduct from any source, including the President.
• The final clause directs the Secretary of the Senate to distribute copies of the resolution to the public and press.

1. 2026-02-10Senate Read and Referred (Senate)
2. 2026-02-09Senate Hopper (Senate)

• Harold Jones (D, SD-022)Primary sponsor
• Kim Jackson (D, SD-041)
• Elena Parent (D, SD-044)
• Nan Orrock (D, SD-036)
• Nikki Merritt (D, SD-009)
• Kenya Wicks (D, SD-034)
• Ed Harbison (D, SD-015)
• Tonya Anderson (D, SD-043)
• Emanuel Jones (D, SD-010)
• David Lucas (D, SD-026)
• Gail Davenport (D, SD-017)
• Freddie Sims (D, SD-012)
• Sally Harrell (D, SD-040)
• Jaha Howard (D, SD-035)
• Sonya Halpern (D, SD-039)
• Michael Rhett (D, SD-033)
• RaShaun Kemp (D, SD-038)
• Josh McLaurin (D, SD-014)
• Derek Mallow (D, SD-002)
• Randal Mangham (D, SD-055)

• Barack Obama
• Black History Month
• racism
• Georgia Senate resolutions
• civil rights