ATLANTA – State Representative Carl Gilliard (D-Savannah) applauds the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) for presenting a resolution recognizing the passage of House Bill 303, the “Original 33 Memorial Act,” and honoring the Original 33, who were the first Black state legislators elected to the Georgia General Assembly. The resolution commemorates the Original 33’s historic service to Georgia, recognizes their representation of communities across the state and celebrates their legacy in strengthening representative government.
“I applaud the Georgia Municipal Association for recognizing the Original 33 with this resolution, highlighting their importance and historic service to the Georgia General Assembly,” said Rep. Gilliard. “It is important for these lawmakers to be commemorated and acknowledged for their pioneering role in our state and their work to integrate the General Assembly.”
During the 2025 legislative session, Rep. Gilliard sponsored HB 303, which passed both the House and Senate unanimously and was signed into law by Governor Brian Kemp in May 2025. HB 303 requires the placement of a permanent memorial on the grounds of the Georgia State Capitol honoring these Black lawmakers.
The resolution, signed by Mayor of College Park Bianca Motley Broom, was adopted on Friday, June 26, 2026.
To read the full text of HB 303, please click here and to read the full text of GMA’s resolution, please click 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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