Recognizing the significance of Atlanta, Georgia, as the cradle of the civil rights movement.

House Resolution

H.Res. 972

119th Congress

Recognizing the significance of Atlanta, Georgia, as the cradle of the civil rights movement.

In Committee

Introduced:Dec 19, 2025

Primary Sponsor

David Scott

D - GA

Cosponsors

4

Quick Stats

Summary

This resolution recognizes Atlanta, Georgia as the "cradle of the civil rights movement" for its central role in the fight for equal rights. It traces Atlanta's civil rights history from an 1881 washerwoman strike through the establishment of SCLC and SNCC, the election of pioneering Black officials, and the city's continued leadership in diversity and opportunity.

Latest Action

Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

This resolution recognizes Atlanta, Georgia as the "cradle of the civil rights movement" for its central role in the fight for equal rights. It traces Atlanta's civil rights history from an 1881 washerwoman strike through the establishment of SCLC and SNCC, the election of pioneering Black officials, and the city's continued leadership in diversity and opportunity.

Last updated: 12/26/2025

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Honors Atlanta as birthplace of Martin Luther King Jr. and headquarters of SCLC
Recognizes key milestones: 1948 police desegregation, 1959 transit integration, 1960s lunch counter sit-ins
Notes Atlanta was base for John Lewis, Andrew Young, and organizations like SNCC
Highlights 1973 election of Maynard Jackson as first Black mayor in the Deep South
Recognizes Atlanta's historically Black colleges: Morehouse, Spelman, Clark Atlanta, Morris Brown
Celebrates Atlanta's reputation as "The City Too Busy to Hate"

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

This symbolic resolution honors Atlanta's residents and institutions that shaped American civil rights history. Descendants of civil rights leaders and participants gain official Congressional recognition. Atlanta's tourism and cultural heritage sectors benefit from the designation. Students learning about civil rights gain a Congressional endorsement of Atlanta's significance. The resolution provides context for ongoing discussions about racial equity and voting rights.

Policy Areas

No policy areas assigned yet.

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

972, 119th Congress (2025). "Recognizing the significance of Atlanta, Georgia, as the cradle of the civil rights movement.". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/119-hres-972