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House approves bill to create monument honoring Georgia’s original 33 Black legislators
Summary
House Bill 303 passed the Georgia House to authorize a monument honoring the 33 African American men elected to the Georgia General Assembly during Reconstruction — the so‑called "Original 33." Sponsors say the monument will be funded privately.
Representative Carl Gilliard introduced House Bill 303, describing the measure as a commemoration of “33 courageous men” elected in 1868, many of whom were expelled from the Assembly during Reconstruction. Gilliard read the names of the men the bill would honor and asked colleagues to support the measure to correct historical omission.
Representative Adesanya, speaking in favor, framed the monument as both a recognition of past injustice and a teaching tool for future generations. He noted that the monument will be paid for via private donations, not taxpayer dollars. Representative Holly read a portion of Henry McNeil Turner’s floor remarks from the Reconstruction era and urged members to recognize the historic injustice.
The House agreed to the State Properties Committee report and voted on final passage. The clerk announced the vote: the yeas were 167, the nays were 0. The bill passed unanimously.
Why it matters: Supporters said the monument would restore public recognition for the first Black legislators elected in Georgia after the Civil War and serve as a permanent educational reminder in the state capitol area. The bill’s sponsor stressed private funding for the project.
Next steps: With House passage, the bill moves to the Senate and the monument organizers will pursue private fundraising and design steps as allowed under the law.
