HR 1574: Hugley, House Minority Leader Carolyn Fleming; historic leadership and enduring legacy of service; recognize

House Resolution 1574

By: Representatives Moore of the 91st, Jones of the 47th, Park of the 107th, and Miller of the 62nd

A RESOLUTION

Honoring House Minority Leader Carolyn Fleming Hugley for her historic leadership and enduring legacy of service; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, the month of March is designated as Women's History Month, a time to reflect upon and celebrate the indelible contributions of women who have shaped the course of history through courage, perseverance, and dedicated public service; and

WHEREAS, Carolyn Fleming Hugley, born in Forrest City, Arkansas, to educators Ruby and Walker Fleming Jr., has carried forward her parents' legacy of knowledge and empowerment, earning a Bachelor of Arts in political science with summa cum laude honors and a Master of Public Policy and Administration from Mississippi State University; and

WHEREAS, first elected to the Georgia House of Representatives in 1992, Representative Hugley has steadfastly represented the citizens of District 141 in Columbus for more than three decades, becoming one of the most respected and influential voices under the Gold Dome; and

WHEREAS, Representative Hugley made Her-Story by becoming the first African American to serve as Minority Whip of the Georgia House of Representatives, a position of immense responsibility she held with distinction from 2003 to 2018, breaking barriers and opening doors for generations of leaders to follow; and

WHEREAS, in 2025, Carolyn Fleming Hugley once again etched her name into the annals of Georgia history when she was elected House Minority Leader, becoming the highest-ranking Democrat in the chamber and continuing her legacy as a trailblazer for women and African Americans in state government; and

WHEREAS, throughout her tenure, Leader Hugley has been a tireless champion for "real solutions for real people," authoring and sponsoring transformative legislation addressing anti-bullying measures, protections for widows of veterans, keeping sexual offenders away from school zones, anti-stalking provisions, and compensation for the wrongfully convicted; and

WHEREAS, her commitment to children and families extends beyond the legislative chamber through her leadership roles in numerous civic organizations, including serving as Chair of the Board for Fair Count, Chair of Trustees at Franchise Missionary Baptist Church, and her dedicated mentorship through SISTERS Inc., Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., and The Links, Incorporated; and

WHEREAS, her extraordinary contributions have been recognized with countless honors, including the National Conference of Black State Legislators Crystal Excellence Award, the NAACP Humanitarian Award, induction into the Women's Hall of Fame, and the distinct honor of having a park named in her legacy; and

WHEREAS, as a 37-year independent contractor and agent for State Farm Insurance Company and as the devoted wife of former Columbus City Manager Isaiah Hugley, proud mother of Kimberly and Isaiah Jr., daughter-in-law Dr. Coartyne Malone-Hugley, grandmother of four, and great-grandmother of Kaydance, Leader Hugley exemplifies the strength, grace, and dedication that defines women who make history.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that the members of this body commend House Minority Leader Carolyn Fleming Hugley for her historic tenure as the first African American Minority Whip and her current service as Minority Leader, celebrating her as a pioneer who has forever changed the landscape of Georgia leadership.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that, during this Women's History Month, the members of this body honor her unwavering dedication to the people of Columbus, her transformative legislative legacy, and her profound impact on the State of Georgia as a lawmaker, mentor, and community leader.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to House Minority Leader Carolyn Fleming Hugley.