SR845: SR845 Obama, President Barack; commend and condemn racist attacks and rhetoric directed toward him

This resolution does not change any Georgia law. It is a statement from the Georgia Senate honoring former President Barack Obama's life and career during Black History Month, citing his education, his time in the Illinois and United States Senates, his two terms as president, and his 2009 Nobel Peace Prize. The resolution also condemns racist attacks directed at Obama, including the 'birther' movement and a 2026 video posted by the sitting President of the United States that depicted the Obama family as monkeys. It states that the Senate condemns racist rhetoric and conduct from any quarter, including from the President of the United States, and affirms a commitment to equality, justice, and respect. It directs the Secretary of the Senate to distribute copies of the resolution to the public and press.

• Formally recognizes and celebrates former President Barack Obama's life, legacy, and service during Black History Month.
• States that the Senate condemns racist rhetoric and conduct from any source, explicitly including the President of the United States.
• References a 2026 video posted by the sitting President that depicted the Obama family as monkeys, and notes it drew condemnation from Senator Tim Scott.
• Directs the Secretary of the Senate to make copies of the resolution available to the public and the press.
• Does not create any new law, funding, or enforcement mechanism; it is a symbolic statement of the Senate's position.

This resolution primarily concerns former President Barack Obama and the sitting President of the United States, whose conduct it criticizes. It also reflects the position of the Georgia Senate itself and directs the Secretary of the Senate to distribute copies to the public and press.

Because this is a resolution rather than a law, it does not change any rights, penalties, or funding in Georgia. Its practical effect is a public, on-the-record statement from the Georgia Senate honoring Obama and condemning specific racist rhetoric, including remarks from the current President.

• The resolving clauses recognize and celebrate Obama's life, legacy, and service during Black History Month.
• A further resolved clause condemns racist rhetoric and conduct 'from any quarter, including that emanating from the President of the United States.'
• A final clause directs the Secretary of the Senate to distribute copies of the resolution to the public and the press.
• The whereas clauses recount Obama's biography, presidency, and the 2026 video controversy but carry no independent legal effect.

1. 2026-02-25Senate Read and Referred (Senate)
2. 2026-02-24Senate Hopper (Senate)

• Randal Mangham (D, SD-055)Primary sponsor
• Kenya Wicks (D, SD-034)
• RaShaun Kemp (D, SD-038)

• Black History Month
• Barack Obama
• racism
• Georgia Senate resolutions
• political rhetoric