Senate Resolution 910
By: Senators Howard of the 35th, Davenport of the 17th, Anderson of the 43rd, James of the
28th, Kemp of the 38th and others
A RESOLUTION
Honoring the life and memory of Rev. Dr. Ralph David Abernathy Sr.; and for other
purposes.
WHEREAS, born on March 11, 1926, in Linden, Rev. Dr. Ralph David Abernathy Sr.
emerged as one of the most influential and courageous leaders of the American Civil Rights
Movement, dedicating his life to the principles of equality, justice, and human dignity; and
WHEREAS, Rev. Dr. Abernathy honorably served his country in the United States Army
during World War II and went on to pursue higher education at Alabama State University
and Atlanta University, preparing himself for a lifetime of service, leadership, and ministry;
and
WHEREAS, Rev. Dr. Abernathy faithfully answered his calling to ministry and served as a
devoted pastor, most notably at West Hunter Street Baptist Church in Atlanta, where he
provided spiritual leadership while advancing social justice and community empowerment;
and
WHEREAS, Rev. Dr. Abernathy was a co-founder of the Southern Christian Leadership
Conference and a trusted confidant and partner to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., working
tirelessly to organize peaceful demonstrations and nonviolent protests that helped dismantle
segregation and transform the nation; and
WHEREAS, Rev. Dr. Abernathy played a central leadership role in the Montgomery Bus
Boycott and numerous civil rights campaigns, demonstrating extraordinary courage,
resilience, and unwavering commitment to justice; and
WHEREAS, following the assassination of Dr. King in 1968, Rev. Dr. Abernathy assumed
the presidency of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and continued advancing
the cause of civil rights and economic justice, including leading the historic Poor People's
Campaign; and
WHEREAS, Rev. Dr. Abernathy's leadership, faith, and sacrifice helped secure fundamental
civil rights protections and inspired generations of leaders and citizens to continue the pursuit
of equality and justice; and
WHEREAS, Rev. Dr. Ralph David Abernathy Sr. passed away on April 17, 1990, leaving
a lasting legacy as a minister, civil rights pioneer, and national leader whose contributions
forever changed the course of American history.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body
join in honoring the life and memory of Rev. Dr. Ralph David Abernathy Sr. and express
their deepest and most sincere regret at his passing.
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 Rev. Dr. Ralph
David Abernathy Sr.