SR 845: Obama, President Barack; commend and condemn racist attacks and rhetoric directed toward him

This is a resolution, not a law, so it does not change any Georgia statute. It uses the Senate's voice to commend Barack Obama's life and presidency during Black History Month, citing his biography, his time in the Illinois and United States Senates, his election as the first Black President in 2008, his Nobel Peace Prize, and policy achievements the resolution attributes to his presidency. The resolution also condemns racist attacks against Obama, including the birther movement and a 2026 video posted by the sitting President that the text says depicted the Obama family as monkeys. The Senate resolves to recognize Obama's legacy, condemn racist rhetoric and conduct from any quarter including the President of the United States, 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, career, and presidency during Black History Month.
• States the Senate's condemnation of racist rhetoric and conduct directed at Obama, including a described 2026 video depicting the Obama family as monkeys.
• Affirms the Senate's commitment to principles of equality, justice, and respect without creating any new legal requirement.
• Directs the Secretary of the Senate to make copies of the resolution available to the public and press.

This resolution primarily affects the Georgia Senate itself as a formal statement of its views. It does not impose obligations on residents, businesses, or state agencies, though it references former President Barack Obama and the sitting President of the United States.

Because this is a resolution rather than a bill, it carries no legal force and changes no Georgia law. Its significance is symbolic: it places the Georgia Senate on record honoring Obama and condemning specific racist rhetoric, which will be publicly distributed under the resolution's own directive.

• The whereas clauses recount Obama's biography, education, Illinois and U.S. Senate service, 2008 election, presidency, and 2009 Nobel Peace Prize.
• The whereas clauses describe recurring racist attacks against Obama, including the birther movement and a 2026 video depicting the Obama family as monkeys.
• The first resolving clause has the Senate recognize and celebrate Obama's life, legacy, and service during Black History Month.
• The second resolving clause condemns racist rhetoric and conduct from any quarter, including from the President of the United States.
• The final resolving clause directs the Secretary of the Senate to distribute copies of the resolution to the public and press.

1. 2026-02-25Senate Read and Referred (Senate)
2. 2026-02-24Senate Hopper (Senate)

• Randal Mangham (D, SD-055)Primary sponsor
• Kenya Wicks (D, SD-034)
• RaShaun Kemp (D, SD-038)

• Black History Month
• Barack Obama
• racism
• Georgia Senate resolution