Georgia CommonsSR 979: Norwood, Dorothy; recognize
Last action March 19, 2026 · Senate Read and Adopted
A Georgia Senate resolution formally recognizes and commends gospel singer Dorothy Norwood for her decades-long career in gospel music.
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 from the Georgia Senate, not a change to state law. It honors Dorothy Norwood, an Atlanta-born gospel singer known as 'The World's Greatest Gospel Storyteller,' recounting her more than six-decade career, including her time with The Caravans, her solo debut album, and her chart-topping 1991 live album. The resolution formally states that the Senate recognizes and commends her for her contributions to gospel music and to African American cultural expression. It directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare a copy of the resolution for distribution to Norwood. It creates no new rules, funding, or penalties.
What the bill does
- Formally states the Senate's recognition and commendation of Dorothy Norwood for her career in gospel music.
- Recounts specific career achievements, including her work with The Caravans and her chart-topping 1991 live album.
- Directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare and distribute a copy of the resolution to Dorothy Norwood.
Who it affects
This resolution directly names and honors Dorothy Norwood. It also involves the Secretary of the Senate, who is tasked with preparing and distributing a copy of the resolution to her.
Why it matters
The resolution carries no legal or financial effect; it does not change Georgia law, create funding, or impose requirements on anyone besides directing a ceremonial copy to be delivered. Its significance is symbolic, marking official state recognition of an individual's career achievements.
Key provisions
- The whereas clauses detail Norwood's biography and career milestones, including her 1964 debut album and 1991 Billboard Gospel Chart-topping release.
- The resolved clause states the Senate's recognition and commendation of Norwood's career and cultural contributions.
- A further resolved clause directs the Secretary of the Senate to make a copy available for distribution to Norwood.
From the bill
“Dorothy Norwood is a legendary American gospel singer, songwriter, and storyteller widely revered as "The World's Greatest Gospel Storyteller"”
“the members of this body recognize and commend Dorothy Norwood for her extraordinary career, her lasting contributions to gospel music”
Status timeline
- Senate Read and Adopted (Senate)
- Senate Hopper (Senate)
Sponsors
- Sonya Halpern (D, SD-039)
- RaShaun Kemp (D, SD-038)
- Kenya Wicks (D, SD-034)
- Gail Davenport (D, SD-017)
- Tonya Anderson (D, SD-043)
Topics
- gospel music
- Senate resolution
- Georgia honorees
- Dorothy Norwood