SR585: SR585 Washington, Booker T.; honoring

This resolution is a ceremonial statement from the Georgia Senate recognizing Booker T. Washington, who was born enslaved in 1856 and became a prominent educator and advocate for African American advancement. It recounts his role at the 1895 Atlanta Exposition, his advocacy trip to Washington, D.C. that drew President Grover Cleveland's attention to the Negro Building, his appearance at the Georgia Christian Worker Conference, his donation toward desegregating schools in Augusta that led to a school being named after him, his advisory role to three U.S. presidents, and his founding of the National Business League. The resolution does not change any Georgia law. It simply has the Senate formally honor Washington's legacy and directs the Secretary of the Senate to make copies available to the public and press.

• Formally states that the Georgia Senate honors and uplifts the legacy of Booker T. Washington.
• Recites historical facts about Washington's work in education, civil rights, and economic empowerment tied to Georgia.
• Directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare and distribute copies of the resolution to the public and the press.
• Creates no new law, funding, or ongoing obligation; it is a one-time ceremonial recognition.

This resolution does not regulate any group. It is a symbolic honor directed at the memory and legacy of Booker T. Washington, with the practical effect of directing the Secretary of the Senate to distribute copies of the text to the public and press.

Because this is a ceremonial resolution rather than a law, it does not change anyone's rights, duties, or funding. Its main real-world effect is a public, official statement from the Georgia Senate recognizing Washington's historical contributions to the state.

• The whereas clauses describe Washington's biography and his specific historical connections to Georgia, including the 1895 Atlanta Exposition and Augusta school desegregation.
• The resolved clause has the Senate formally honor and uplift Washington's legacy.
• A further resolved clause directs the Secretary of the Senate to make copies available for distribution to the public and 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)

• Booker T. Washington
• Georgia history
• civil rights
• legislative honors