Sen. Jones Champions the Creation of Civil Rights Museum

ATLANTA (March 7, 2013) – Senator Emanuel Jones (D-Decatur), Chairman of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Advisory Council, led the State Senate in the unanimous passage of Senate Bill 172 which establishes a civil rights museum on Capitol Hill.

“The history of our great state is undoubtedly linked to the civil rights movement and the strides people of color have made,” said Sen. Jones.  “As we continue to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Dr. King’s historic March on Washington, this museum will serve as a reminder of the countless obstacles African Americans have overcome.  We must honor those who came before us and continue to share our unique history with all those who come through the State Capitol.”

SB 172 would create a civil rights museum on Capitol Hill to honor prominent civil rights leaders.  In addition to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the bill would require portraits of Rev. Joseph Lowery, Congressman John Lewis, Ambassador Andrew Young and other civil rights legends to be on display in the State Capitol.  The legislation will also require the museum to be a division of the Georgia Capitol Museum.

SB 172 will now travel to the House of Representatives for consideration.

RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
March 7, 2013

For Information Contact:
Jennifer Yarber, Interim Director
Adam Sweat, Communications Specialist
Adam.Sweat@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028