SR879: SR879 Hayward, David; condolences; enduring contributions to the advancement and preservation of LGBTQ+ history and rights in the State of Georgia; recognize

26 LC 112 3759 Senate Resolution 879 By: Senators Orrock of the 36th, Wicks of the 34th, James of the 28th, Mangham of the 55th, Jackson of the 41st and others A RESOLUTION Honoring the life and legacy of David Hayward and recognizing his enduring contributions1 to the advancement and preservation of LGBTQ+ history and rights in the State of Georgia;2 and for other purposes.3 WHEREAS, the members of this body join family, friends, and com munities throughout4 Georgia in mourning the passing of David "Dave" Hayward at the age of 76, an activist,5 historian, and witness to much of Atlanta's early LGBTQ+ rights movement; and6 WHEREAS, born in New Hampshire, Mr. Hayward made Atlanta his home in 1971, arriving7 during the nascent stage of the city's modern gay rights movement and dedicating more than8 five decades to the pursuit of equality, justice, and historical preservation; and9 WHEREAS, he was an early member of the Georgia Gay Liberation Front and a co-founder10 of the Atlanta chapter of ACT UP, the political advocacy organi zation formed in the late11 1980s to demand action to end the AIDS pandemic and to confront injustice with courage12 and urgency; and13 WHEREAS, Mr. Hayward participated in Atlanta's first sanctioned Pride march in 1972 and14 remained a visible and vocal presence at protests, commemorations, and community events,15 S. R. 879 - 1 - 26 LC 112 3759 steadfast in his belief that equality is achieved not only thro ugh policy but through16 remembrance and collective action; and17 WHEREAS, as co-founder of Touching Up Our Roots, he helped crea te an innovative18 LGBTQ+ story project and self-guided audio tour documenting sig nificant sites, ensuring19 that the people, places, and movements that shaped the city's L GBTQ+ community would20 not be lost to time; and21 WHEREAS, Mr. Hayward understood the profound responsibility of being a witness to22 history, especially to the devastating impact of the AIDS epidemic, once stating that while23 we cannot bring loved ones back, we can "call them forth in the present moment to honor and24 remember them as you educate the future"; and25 WHEREAS, through his activism, scholarship, and public witness, David Hayward26 strengthened the moral fabric of the State of Georgia and enriched the history of the City of27 Atlanta, leaving an indelible mark on generations to come.28 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body29 honor the life and legacy of David Hayward and recognize his extraordinary contributions30 to the advancement of civil rights, the preservation of LGBTQ+ history, and the betterment31 of the State of Georgia.32 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed33 to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for di stribution to the family of34 David Hayward.35 S. R. 879 - 2 -