SR 500: Jones, Jamila "Mary Ethel Dozier"; condolences

This is a ceremonial resolution passed by the Georgia Senate recognizing the life and contributions of Jamila "Mary Ethel Dozier" Jones. It recounts her early involvement in the civil rights movement, including joining the NAACP youth group as a child, participating in the Montgomery Bus Boycott at age 11, and her role in popularizing a verse of "We Shall Overcome" during a raid at the Highlander Folk School. The resolution also notes her later work in Atlanta, Georgia, where she founded the Vine City Community School and the Harambee Singers and helped bring performing and visual arts into the City of Atlanta's parks and recreation programs. The Senate formally honors her legacy and directs the Secretary of the Senate to send a copy of the resolution to her family. It does not change any Georgia law.

• Formally honors the life and legacy of Jamila "Mary Ethel Dozier" Jones through a Senate resolution.
• Recognizes her contributions to the Civil Rights Movement, including her role in the Montgomery Bus Boycott and voter registration efforts.
• Directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare and send a copy of the resolution to her family.
• Does not create, amend, or repeal any Georgia statute, since it is a commemorative resolution rather than a bill changing law.

This resolution primarily affects the family of Jamila "Mary Ethel Dozier" Jones, who will receive a copy, and serves as a symbolic Senate recognition; it does not impose obligations on any other group of Georgians.

While the resolution carries no legal effect and changes no Georgia law, it provides an official state acknowledgment of a civil rights figure's contributions, offering her family and community public recognition through the Georgia Senate's record.

• The resolution recites her biography, including her birth in Montgomery, Alabama in 1944 and early activism with the NAACP youth group.
• It highlights her participation in the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the Highlander Folk School raid where she sang a verse of "We Shall Overcome."
• It notes her later work in Atlanta founding the Vine City Community School and the Harambee Singers, and her role with the City of Atlanta's Department of Parks and Recreation.
• The resolving clause formally honors her legacy and commends her impact on generations past, present, and future.
• A further resolution directs the Secretary of the Senate to distribute a copy of the resolution to her family.

1. 2025-03-31Senate Read and Adopted (Senado)
2. 2025-03-28Senate Hopper (Senado)

• Jason Esteves (D, SD-035)Patrocinador principal
• Sonya Halpern (D, SD-039)
• RaShaun Kemp (D, SD-038)

• civil rights history
• Senate resolution
• Atlanta history
• Montgomery Bus Boycott