SR587: SR587 Rosa Parks Day; recognize February 4, 2026

This resolution from the Georgia Senate commemorates Rosa Parks, whose refusal to give up her bus seat in 1955 helped spark the Montgomery bus boycott and became a landmark moment in the Civil Rights Movement. The resolution recounts her history, including her role alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., her awards such as the Presidential Medal of Freedom and Congressional Gold Medal, and her distinction as the first woman to lie in state in the United States Capitol Rotunda. The Senate formally resolves to honor her memory and to recognize February 4, 2026, as Rosa Parks Day at the state capitol. It also directs the Secretary of the Senate to make copies of the resolution available to the public and the press. The resolution does not change any Georgia law; it is a ceremonial statement.

• Formally recognizes February 4, 2026, as Rosa Parks Day at the Georgia state capitol.
• Honors the memory of Rosa Parks and her role in the Civil Rights Movement through a series of whereas clauses recounting her history.
• Directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare and distribute copies of the resolution to the public and the press.
• Does not create any new law, funding, or ongoing program; it is a one-time ceremonial declaration by the Senate.

This resolution primarily affects the Georgia Senate itself as a ceremonial act. It has symbolic significance for Georgians interested in civil rights history and for the public and press who may receive copies of the resolution.

While the resolution carries no legal or financial consequences, it publicly commemorates a pivotal figure in American civil rights history and formally sets aside a day of recognition at the Georgia capitol, keeping her legacy part of the state's civic record.

• The whereas clauses describe Rosa Parks' 1955 refusal to give up her bus seat and its role in sparking the Montgomery bus boycott.
• The whereas clauses note her awards, including the Martin Luther King Jr. Nonviolent Peace Prize, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and a Congressional Gold Medal.
• The resolved clause honors her memory and designates February 4, 2026, as Rosa Parks Day at the state capitol.
• The final clause directs the Secretary of the Senate to make copies available for distribution to the public and the press.

1. 2026-01-27Senate Read and Adopted (Senate)
2. 2026-01-21Senate Hopper (Senate)

• Donzella James (D, SD-028)Primary sponsor
• RaShaun Kemp (D, SD-038)
• Kim Jackson (D, SD-041)
• Freddie Sims (D, SD-012)

• Rosa Parks Day
• civil rights history
• Georgia Senate resolutions
• Black history