Georgia CommonsSR 884: Cooper, Jr., Aurelius; Art in The Paint founder; recognize and commend
Last action March 3, 2026 · Senate Read and Adopted
A Georgia Senate resolution formally recognizes Arelious Cooper, Jr. and his organization Art In The Paint for community work combining art, basketball, and youth programs in Atlanta and abroad.
The summaries below were written by an AI model (claude-sonnet-5) from the text of the resolution and are not part of it. Quote the text, not the summary. The stored text is the Enrolled version, the latest LegiScan holds.
In plain language
This is a ceremonial resolution passed by the Georgia Senate honoring Arelious Cooper, Jr., a southwest Atlanta native with a career in professional and international basketball, and his organization Art In The Paint. The resolution recounts his background, including work as a Fulton County Youth Commissioner, ownership of two Metro Ballers basketball franchises, international basketball clinics for underserved youth, and a children's book promoting healthy habits. It also describes Art In The Paint's public art and infrastructure projects, community engagement efforts, and partnerships with small businesses. The resolution does not create any new law, funding, or requirement. It simply states the Senate's recognition and commendation, and directs the Secretary of the Senate to send copies of the resolution to Cooper and his organization.
What the bill does
- Formally recognizes and commends Arelious Cooper, Jr. and Art In The Paint for community, art, and athletics work.
- Directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare and distribute copies of the resolution to Cooper and Art In The Paint.
- Creates no new law, funding, program, or legal obligation; it is a ceremonial statement only.
Who it affects
This resolution directly names and honors Arelious Cooper, Jr. and his organization Art In The Paint. It has no legal effect on the general public, businesses, or government agencies beyond the Senate's own administrative act of distributing copies.
Why it matters
Because this is a commendatory resolution rather than a law, it does not change any rights, funding, or requirements for Georgians. Its main real-world effect is a formal public acknowledgment from the Georgia Senate of one individual's and one organization's community work.
Key provisions
- The whereas clauses describe Cooper's basketball career and youth-focused public service, including as a former Fulton County Youth Commissioner.
- The resolution notes Art In The Paint has completed more than 70 public art and infrastructure projects covering over one million square feet.
- The resolved clause states the Senate recognizes and commends Cooper and Art In The Paint for their work in art, athletics, and community building.
- The final clause directs the Secretary of the Senate to make copies available to Cooper and Art In The Paint.
From the bill
“the members of this body recognize and commend Art In The Paint and Arelious Cooper, Jr., for their innovative use of art and athletics to enhance public health, strengthen communities, and create meaningful opportunities for youth and families.”
Status timeline
- Senate Read and Adopted (Senate)
- Senate Hopper (Senate)
Sponsors
- Sonya Halpern (D, SD-039)
- John Albers (R, SD-056)
- Jaha Howard (D, SD-035)
- Kim Jackson (D, SD-041)
- Kenya Wicks (D, SD-034)
Topics
- community recognition
- youth programs
- public art
- Atlanta basketball