SR 873: HBCU AWARE FEST Day; recognize March 26, 2026

This resolution from the Georgia Senate recognizes March 26, 2026 as HBCU AWARE FEST Day at the state capitol. It does not change any Georgia law; it is a ceremonial statement honoring the Student Freedom Initiative (SFI), a nonprofit that develops alternative financing options for college students to reduce their dependence on traditional student loans. The resolution describes SFI's work, including partnerships with 71 colleges and universities such as Albany State University, Clark Atlanta University, and Morehouse College, and cites figures like 1,942 applicants and $26.7 million disbursed through its loan agreement program. It also notes that SFI partnered with the City of Atlanta and Live Nation Urban in 2026 to launch HBCU AWAREFEST, an event addressing student debt and economic mobility. The Senate directs that a copy of the resolution be given to the Student Freedom Initiative.

• Formally designates March 26, 2026 as HBCU AWARE FEST Day at the Georgia state capitol.
• Directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare and distribute a copy of the resolution to the Student Freedom Initiative.
• Expresses the Senate's recognition of the Student Freedom Initiative's work on student debt and alternative college financing.
• Creates no new legal requirements, funding, or penalties, since it is a ceremonial resolution rather than a law.

The resolution primarily concerns the Student Freedom Initiative and its partner institutions, including Albany State University, Clark Atlanta University, and Morehouse College, as well as students who participate in SFI's financing programs. It has no direct legal effect on the general public.

Because this is a ceremonial resolution, it does not alter Georgia law, create funding, or impose obligations on anyone. Its main effect is symbolic recognition, giving public acknowledgment to an organization working on student loan alternatives and higher education access.

• The resolving clause recognizes March 26, 2026 as HBCU AWAREFEST Day at the state capitol.
• A further resolved clause directs the Secretary of the Senate to make a copy available for distribution to the Student Freedom Initiative.
• The whereas clauses describe SFI's founding in 2021, its scale (200,000 students served, 71 partner colleges), and its 2026 partnership with the City of Atlanta and Live Nation Urban for HBCU AWAREFEST.

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

• Sonya Halpern (D, SD-039)Patrocinador principal
• 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
• HBCU
• ceremonial resolution
• economic mobility