SR873: SR873 HBCU AWARE FEST Day; recognize March 26, 2026

This is a ceremonial resolution from the Georgia Senate rather than a change to state law. It recognizes March 26, 2026, as HBCU AWAREFEST Day at the state capitol, honoring an event launched in Atlanta by the Student Freedom Initiative, Mayor Andre Dickens, and Live Nation Urban. The resolution describes the Student Freedom Initiative, a nonprofit founded in 2021 that offers alternative financing and support services to reduce student loan debt for students at historically Black colleges and universities, including Albany State University, Clark Atlanta University, and Morehouse College. It notes the organization has served more than 200,000 students and disbursed $26.7 million through its loan agreement program. The resolution directs the Secretary of the Senate to send a copy to the Student Freedom Initiative, but it does not create any new law, funding, or requirement.

• Formally designates March 26, 2026 as HBCU AWAREFEST Day at the Georgia state capitol.
• Extends the Senate's recognition and best wishes to HBCU AWAREFEST for its continued growth and success.
• Directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare and distribute a copy of the resolution to the Student Freedom Initiative.
• Creates no new statute, funding, or legal obligation; it is a symbolic statement rather than a change to Georgia law.

The resolution primarily concerns the Student Freedom Initiative and its partner colleges, including Albany State University, Clark Atlanta University, and Morehouse College, along with students at historically Black colleges and universities who benefit from its debt-reduction programs.

Because this is a ceremonial resolution, it does not change any law, create funding, or impose requirements on anyone. Its practical effect is public recognition, which may raise visibility for the Student Freedom Initiative's work on reducing student debt at historically Black colleges and universities.

• The whereas clauses describe the Student Freedom Initiative's mission, its partnerships with 71 colleges and universities, and its financial impact, including $26.7 million disbursed to students.
• The resolving clause designates March 26, 2026 as HBCU AWAREFEST Day at the state capitol.
• A further resolved clause directs the Secretary of the Senate to distribute a copy of the resolution to the Student Freedom Initiative.

1. 2026-02-26Senate Read and Adopted (Senate)
2. 2026-02-25Senate Hopper (Senate)

• Sonya Halpern (D, SD-039)Primary sponsor
• Randal Mangham (D, SD-055)
• Tonya Anderson (D, SD-043)
• Nan Orrock (D, SD-036)
• Gail Davenport (D, SD-017)

• higher education
• student loan debt
• historically Black colleges and universities
• state recognition day