Georgia Lawmakers Introduce Bicameral Resolution to Honor Civil Rights Icon Henry "Hank" Aaron

Press Release

Today, U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.) joined with Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) and the Georgia Congressional Delegation to introduce legislation to honor Georgia resident and famed sports legend Henry "Hank" Louis Aaron, who died January 22, 2021 at the age of 86.

U.S. Representatives Hank Johnson (D-GA, 4th) and Nikema Williams (D-GA, 5th) introduced a companion resolution in the House.

"…Henry Louis Aaron indeed embodied the true spirit and promise of our Nation, reflected the best of the determination and perseverance of the people of the United States, and exemplified the indomitable will of Black Americans to overcome impossible odds to achieve greatness in the face of relentless adversity and racism," the resolution read in part.

Also called "Hammerin' Hank" by his fans and admirers, as a baseball player Mr. Aaron was known for his athletic achievements, accruing several accolades and surpassing multiple milestones during his Major League Baseball career--most notably passing Babe Ruth's homerun record in 1974. Additionally, Mr. Aaron was a leading figure for the movement for civil rights, and throughout his life used his platform to speak truth to the realities of racism and improve human relations.

The resolution was also co-sponsored by U.S. Representatives Buddy Carter (R-Ga., 1st), Sanford Bishop (D-Ga., 2nd), Drew Ferguson, (R-Ga., 3rd), Lucy McBath (D-Ga., 6th), Carolyn Bordeaux (D-Ga., 7th), Austin Scott (R-Ga., 8th), Andrew Clyde (R-Ga., 9th), Jody Hice (R-Ga., 10th), Barry Loudermilk (R-Ga., 11th), Rick Allen (R-Ga., 12th), David Scott (D-Ga., 13th), Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga., 14th)

The full text of the resolution can be found below:

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