HR1190: HR1190 117th Founders Day of the NAACP; recognize

26 LC 129 0807 House Resolution 1190 By: Representatives Reese of the 140th, Hugley of the 141st, Willis of the 55th, Crawford of the 89th, and Olaleye of the 59th A RESOLUTION Recognizing the 117th Founders Day of the NAACP; and for other purposes.1 WHEREAS, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is2 celebrating its 117th Founders Day, recognizing their commitment to justice, equality, and3 the upliftment of African Americans; and4 WHEREAS, the founding of the NAACP on February 12, 1909, was a pivotal moment in5 American history, sparked by a call to action led by Mary White Ovington, Oswald Garrison6 Villard, William English Walling, and Dr. Henry Moscowitz, all descendants of famous7 abolitionists; and 8 WHEREAS, these visionary leaders, alongside W. E. B. Du Bois, Ida B. Wells-Barnett, and9 Mary Church Terrell convened to address the urgent need for rac ial justice in the United10 States, bringing together diverse voices, united in their fight against racial discrimination and11 inequality; and12 WHEREAS, Mary White Ovington, a descendant of the abolitionist William Lloyd Garrison,13 and Oswald Garrison Villard, a descendant of the prominent abolitionist and journalist, both14 played key roles in founding the NAACP, committing themselves to the cause of civil rights15 H. R. 1190 - 1 - 26 LC 129 0807 and social justice, and contributing to the organization's early activism and efforts to combat16 racial injustice; and17 WHEREAS, William English Walling and Dr. Henry Moscowitz, whose call to convene the18 first meeting to address the violence and discrimination faced by African Americans, helped19 catalyze the creation of an organization that would later grow into one of the most powerful20 advocates for civil rights in American history; and21 WHEREAS, the contributions of W. E. B. Du Bois, a pioneering scholar and activist, and Ida22 B. Wells-Barnett, a fearless anti-lynching crusader, were indispensable to the formation of23 the NAACP, providing intellectual leadership and moral clarity in the struggle for racial24 justice. Likewise, Mary Church Terrell's advocacy for women's rights and African-American25 equality remains a cornerstone of the organization's foundational values, and26 WHEREAS, the Georgia NAACP, throughout its storied history, has been at the forefront27 of advocating for civil rights, ensuring equitable access to ed ucation, healthcare,28 employment, and housing for all people regardless of race, and fostering political, social, and29 economic justice; and30 WHEREAS, the work of the Georgia NAACP, from organizing protest s to engaging in31 litigation, lobbying, and public education, has been instrumental in dismantling the structures32 of segregation and discrimination, paving the way for future generations to continue the fight33 for racial justice and equality; and34 WHEREAS, the 117th Founders Day honors the resilience, courage, and tireless efforts of35 the individuals who have contributed to this movement, past and present, and renews the36 H. R. 1190 - 2 - 26 LC 129 0807 commitment to carrying forward their vision of a world in which all people can live in37 dignity and without fear of discrimination; and38 WHEREAS, the Georgia NAACP continues to stand resolutely against systemic racism and39 injustice, pushing for transformative change in our laws, policies, and institutions, striving40 to create a future of equal opportunities for all, regardless of race or background; and41 WHEREAS, on this special day, we reflect on the ongoing need fo r the NAACP's work,42 acknowledging both the progress we have made and the work that remains to achieve true43 racial equality and justice in Georgia and across the nation.44 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that45 the members of this body commemo rate the 117th Founders Day, re cognizing the vision,46 perseverance, and leadership of those who laid the foundation of the NAACP, and recommit47 to advancing the cause of civil rights for all people in Georgia and beyond.48 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized49 and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to the50 Georgia NAACP.51 H. R. 1190 - 3 -