HR1714: HR1714 Bayard Rustin Day; March 17, 2026; recognize

This is a ceremonial resolution from the Georgia House of Representatives, not a law that changes anyone's rights or duties. It recognizes March 17, 2026, as Bayard Rustin Day, marking the birthday of Bayard Rustin, a civil rights leader who advised Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and organized the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. The resolution describes Rustin's role co-founding the Congress of Racial Equality and participating in the Journey of Reconciliation, an early challenge to segregation in interstate travel. It directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to make copies available to the public and the press, but it does not create any program, funding, or legal requirement.

• Formally recognizes March 17, 2026, as Bayard Rustin Day in the Georgia House of Representatives.
• States that the day honors Bayard Rustin's contributions to the Civil Rights Movement, including organizing the 1963 March on Washington.
• Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to prepare copies of the resolution for distribution to the public and the press.
• Creates no new law, funding, or ongoing obligation; it is a one-time symbolic statement by the House.

This resolution mainly affects the Georgia House of Representatives itself, since it directs the Clerk to distribute copies. It does not impose duties on the public, businesses, or other government agencies; its effect is symbolic recognition rather than a binding legal change.

Because this is a resolution rather than a bill that changes Georgia law, its practical effect is limited to public recognition. It gives Bayard Rustin's legacy formal acknowledgment from the state legislature but does not alter any statute, create funding, or impose new requirements on anyone.

• The whereas clauses describe Bayard Rustin's role as a close advisor to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and chief organizer of the 1963 March on Washington.
• The resolving clause formally recognizes March 17, 2026, as Bayard Rustin Day, tied to his birthday.
• A final clause directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to make copies available to the public and the press.

1. 2026-03-16House Read and Adopted (House)
2. 2026-03-16House First Readers (House)
3. 2026-03-16House Hopper (House)

• Park Cannon (D, HD-058)Primary sponsor
• Samuel Park (D, HD-107)
• Al Williams (D, HD-168)

• civil rights
• Bayard Rustin
• commemorative resolution
• Georgia House of Representatives