Honoring the life and legacy of Henry Louis Aaron.
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 307
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Sports and Recreation
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-04-08: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- Last Updated
- 2025-05-19T21:06:13Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This resolution (H. Res. 307) aims to honor the life, baseball achievements, and civil rights legacy of Henry Louis "Hank" Aaron, recognizing his perseverance against racism and his contributions to American society.
Key Provisions
- Biographical Background: Details Aaron's birth in 1934 in Mobile, Alabama, his upbringing amid Jim Crow segregation, and early career in the Negro leagues (e.g., Prichard Athletics, Mobile Black Bears, Indianapolis Clowns).
- Baseball Career Highlights:
- Signed by the Boston Braves in 1952; debuted in Major League Baseball (MLB) in 1954 with the Milwaukee Braves.
- Achievements include: 1957 National League MVP, leading the Braves to a World Series win; breaking Babe Ruth's home run record with his 715th home run on April 8, 1974; career totals of 755 home runs, 3,771 hits, and records in runs batted in (2,297), extra base hits (1,477), and total bases (6,856).
- Awards: 2-time batting champion, 4-time home run title winner, 25 All-Star selections, 3 Gold Gloves, and 1982 Baseball Hall of Fame induction (97.8% of votes).
- Challenges Faced: Emphasizes racism encountered, such as discrimination in minor leagues, hate mail, threats, and need for police protection during his pursuit of the home run record.
- Post-Career Contributions: First Black American in senior MLB management (Atlanta Braves executive); founded the Chasing the Dream Foundation for underprivileged youth; supported the NAACP; received the 2002 Presidential Medal of Freedom and other honors like the Hank Aaron Award (established 1999) and inclusion in the National Recording Registry (2022).
- Resolving Clause: The House of Representatives:
- Honors Aaron's accomplishments, defiance of racism, and role as one of the last Negro leagues All-Stars.
- Proclaims him as embodying the "true spirit" of the U.S., reflecting determination and perseverance, especially for Black Americans.
- Recognizes him as a key civil rights figure and one of the greatest U.S. baseball players.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
None. This is a non-binding resolution expressing congressional sentiment, with no legal effect or amendments to statutes.
Potential Impacts
- On Citizens: Serves as a symbolic tribute that may inspire discussions on civil rights, racial equality, and sports history, potentially encouraging youth mentorship and community programs like Aaron's foundation.
- On Government Agencies: Minimal direct impact; may prompt ceremonial actions, such as readings in Congress, but no operational changes.
- On International Relations: Negligible, though it highlights U.S. civil rights progress, which could indirectly support America's global image on equality.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Baseball Community: MLB, Hall of Fame, Atlanta Braves, and fans, through reinforced legacy and honors.
- Civil Rights and African American Communities: Advocates, NAACP, and underprivileged youth, by spotlighting Aaron's role in breaking racial barriers.
- General Public and Educators: Benefits from historical recognition, potentially influencing curricula on sports, racism, and perseverance.
- Congressional Members: Bipartisan sponsors (e.g., from Georgia) use it to commemorate a national icon.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal/Constitutional: No enforceable provisions; aligns with Congress's power under Article I to express resolutions without binding effect.
- Political: Demonstrates bipartisan unity (introduced by members from both parties) on honoring civil rights icons, potentially fostering goodwill in diverse constituencies. It underscores ongoing relevance of racial justice themes without partisan debate, reinforcing Congress's role in cultural commemoration.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (5)
Rep. Johnson, Henry C. "Hank" [D-GA-4], Rep. Carter, Earl L. "Buddy" [R-GA-1], Rep. Bishop, Sanford D. [D-GA-2], Rep. Loudermilk, Barry [R-GA-11], Rep. Thompson, Bennie G. [D-MS-2]
Recent Actions
- 2025-04-08: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- 2025-04-08: Submitted in House
- 2025-04-08: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Honoring the life and legacy of Henry Louis Aaron. — issued 2025-04-08 — PDF (6 pages)