ATLANTA – Today, House Bill 303, the Original 33 Memorial Act, sponsored by State Representative Carl Gilliard (D-Savannah), passed unanimously out of the House State Properties Committee, and Rep. Gilliard commended the committee for their work in advancing his legislation to the House Rules Committee.
“House Bill 303 marks a crucial step in honoring the legacy of the Original 33—the Black legislators unjustly expelled from the General Assembly after Reconstruction—whose contributions, as American heroes, are integral to both American history and the ongoing fight for equality,” said Rep. Gilliard. “These individuals fought not only for their rightful place in the legislature but also for the core principles of justice, equity and representation during one of the most turbulent times in our nation’s history. I am deeply committed to honoring their courage and determination by ensuring their contributions are never forgotten and that their resilience in the face of adversity serves as a powerful, lasting reminder for future generations.”
HB 303 would create the Original 33 Memorial Act, which would allow for a monument, subject to the availability of private funds, honoring the Original 33, the Black legislators expelled from the General Assembly after the end of Reconstruction, to be placed on State Capitol grounds or in another prominent place.
HB 303 now awaits consideration by the House Rules Committee.
The full text of HB 303 may be found here.
Representative Carl Gilliard represents the citizens of District 162, which includes a portion of Chatham County. He was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2016 and currently serves as Secretary of the Creative Arts & Entertainment. He also serves on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Economic Development, Insurance, Natural Resources & Environment, Reapportionment and Redistricting and Transportation committees.
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