25 LC 112 2976
House Resolution 239
By: Representatives Reese of the 140
th
, Crawford of the 89
th
, Olaleye of the 59
th
, Jackson of
the 68
th
, and Bell of the 75
th
A RESOLUTION
Commemorating the 116th Founders Day of the NAACP; and for other purposes.
1
WHEREAS, the Georgia NAACP proudly celebrates the legacy and enduring contributions2
of the founders of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People3
(NAACP) on its 116th Founders Day, recognizing their commitment to justice, equality, and4
the upliftment of African Americans; and5
WHEREAS, the founding of the NAACP on February 12, 1909, marked a pivotal moment6
in American history, sparked by a call for action led by Mary White Ovington, Oswald7
Garrison Villard, William English Walling, and Dr. Henry Moscowitz, descendants of8
abolitionists who sought to address the urgent need for racial justice in the United States; and9
WHEREAS, these visionary leaders, alongside W. E. B. Du Bois, Ida B. Wells-Barnett, and10
Mary Church Terrell, convened to unite diverse voices in the fight against racial11
discrimination and inequality; and12
WHEREAS, Mary White Ovington, a descendant of abolitionist William Lloyd Garrison,13
and Oswald Garrison Villard, a descendant of the prominent journalist and abolitionist,14
played key roles in founding the NAACP, committing themselves to the cause of civil rights15
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and social justice as well as contributing to the organization's early activism and efforts to
16
combat racial injustice; and17
WHEREAS, William English Walling and Dr. Henry Moscowitz, who called for the initial18
meeting to address the racial violence and discrimination faced by African Americans,19
helped catalyze the creation of an organization that would grow into one of the most20
powerful advocates for civil rights in American history; and21
WHEREAS, the contributions of W. E. B. Du Bois, a pioneering scholar and activist, and Ida22
B. Wells-Barnett, a fearless anti-lynching crusader, were indispensable in the formation of23
the NAACP, providing intellectual leadership and moral clarity in the struggle for racial24
justice; likewise, Mary Church Terrell's advocacy for women's rights and African American25
equality remains a cornerstone of the organization's foundational values; and26
WHEREAS, throughout its storied history, the Georgia NAACP has been at the forefront of27
advocating for civil rights, ensuring equitable access to education, healthcare, employment,28
and housing as well as fostering political, social, and economic justice for all people29
regardless of race; and30
WHEREAS, through organizing protests, litigation, lobbying, and public education, the31
Georgia NAACP has been instrumental in dismantling the structures of segregation and32
discrimination, paving the way for future generations to continue the fight for racial justice33
and equality; and34
WHEREAS, as we mark the 116th Founders Day, we honor the resilience, courage, and35
tireless efforts of those who have contributed to this movement, past and present, as well as36
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renew our commitment to carrying forward their vision of a world in which all people can
37
live with dignity and without fear of discrimination; and38
WHEREAS, the Georgia NAACP continues to stand resolutely against systemic racism and39
injustice, advocating for transformative change in laws, policies, and institutions to create40
a future of equal opportunity for all, regardless of race or background; and41
WHEREAS, on this special day, we reflect on the ongoing need for the work of the NAACP,42
recognizing both the progress made and the challenges that remain in achieving true racial43
equality and justice in Georgia and across the nation.44
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that45
the members of this body commemorate the 116th Founders Day of the NAACP in honor of46
the vision, perseverance, and leadership of those who laid its foundation as well as recommit47
to advancing the cause of civil rights for all people in Georgia and beyond.48
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized49
and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution available for distribution to the50
public and the press.51
H. R. 239
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