The Georgia State Senate unanimously approved a measure to commemorate the lives and contributions of Georgia lawmakers expelled from the statehouse after the Civil War.
House Bill 303, The Original 33 Memorial Act, now heads to the Republican Gov. Brian Kemp’s desk for his consideration.
The legislation would allow for a privately funded monument honoring the Original 33, the Black legislators expelled from the General Assembly in 1868 after their election during Reconstruction. The monument would be placed on the State Capitol grounds or in another prominent place.
“I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Chairman Matt Brass for his dedicated leadership in carrying this bill through the Senate,” state Rep. Carl Gilliard, D-Savannah, said in a statement. “Today, we honor the giants—the Original 33 African Americans elected to the Georgia General Assembly in 1868. Unfortunately, they were denied their rightful place in history due to the color of their skin, with 14 of them suffering the unimaginable fate of lynching.
“With the passage of this bill, we collectively send a powerful signal that Georgia remembers and recognizes the contributions of these 33 courageous Americans,” Gilliard added. “Finally, we can salute these great leaders and celebrate their legacy and sacrifices.”
The Georgia House of Representatives previously unanimously approved the bill.
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