ATLANTA, Ga. () – State Representative Carl Gilliard (D-Savannah) announces the final passage of House Bill 303, The Original 33 Memorial Act, in the Georgia State Senate, where it was unanimously approved. The legislation had previously received unanimous approval in the Georgia House of Representatives.

“I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Chairman Matt Brass for his dedicated leadership in carrying this bill through the Senate,” said Rep. Gilliard. “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.” 

The Original 33 Memorial Act aims to honor and commemorate the lives and contributions of 33 great Americans.

“With the passage of this bill, we collectively send a powerful signal that Georgia remembers and recognizes the contributions of these 33 courageous Americans,” added Rep. Gilliard. “Finally, we can salute these great leaders and celebrate their legacy and sacrifices.”

HB 303 now heads to the governor’s desk. The full text of HB 303 may be found here.