SR791: SR791 Morris Brown College Day; recognize March 16, 2026

26 LC 129 1135 Senate Resolution 791 By: Senators James of the 28th, Rhett of the 33rd, Wicks of the 34th, Anderson of the 43rd, Howard of the 35th and others A RESOLUTION Recognizing March 16, 2026, as Morris Brown College Day at the state capitol; and for other1 purposes.2 WHEREAS, eighteen years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation3 Proclamation, the ministers of the African Methodist Episcopal Church of the State of4 Georgia, fully realizing the necessity of an institution for the preparation of young men and5 women for every department of Christian work and also cognizant of the importance of an6 industrial training school for both genders, resolved upon the establishment of a school to be7 known as Morris Brown College; and8 WHEREAS, Morris Brown College of the AME Church was granted a charter from the State9 of Georgia in May, 1885, becoming the first institution in the state solely under African10 American patronage; and11 WHEREAS, the school first opened in October of 1885, with Mrs. Mary McCree serving as12 principal; in 1890, the first graduating class from Morris Brow n College received their13 diplomas; and14 S. R. 791 - 1 - 26 LC 129 1135 WHEREAS, for more than 130 years, Morris Brown College has rece ived and nurtured15 students from around the world; the institution's deep seated c ommitment to a profound16 purpose, diligence of effort, hard work, perseverance, and belief and trust in God provides17 access to opportunity for educational development in a nurturing environment.18 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body19 recognize March 16, 2026, as Morris Brown College Day at the state capitol.20 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed21 to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for di stribution to Morris Brown22 College.23 S. R. 791 - 2 -