Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives with respect to Marcus Garvey.
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 654
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Civil Rights and Liberties, Minority Issues
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-08-15: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- Last Updated
- 2025-09-19T16:58:21Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This resolution (H. Res. 654) expresses the sense of the U.S. House of Representatives regarding Marcus Garvey, a Jamaican-born activist and leader. It aims to affirm his innocence in a past U.S. conviction, recognize his contributions to human rights and Black empowerment, and urge presidential action to clear his name.
Key Provisions
The resolution includes background "Whereas" clauses outlining Garvey's life and legacy, followed by a "Resolved" section with three main points:
- Declares that Marcus Garvey was innocent of the mail fraud charges brought against him by the U.S. government in the 1920s.
- Recognizes Garvey internationally as a key leader and thinker in the global struggle for human rights.
- Calls on the President to take appropriate steps within his authority to exonerate Garvey and restore his reputation in the United States.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution, meaning it does not create, amend, or repeal any laws. It has no legal force and introduces no changes to statutes, court precedents, or government operations. Instead, it serves as a formal statement of congressional opinion.
Potential Impacts
- On government agencies: It could symbolically pressure the Department of Justice or executive branch to review historical cases of alleged political prosecutions, though it imposes no requirements. No direct operational changes are anticipated.
- On citizens: May raise awareness among African-American communities and civil rights advocates about Garvey's role in promoting economic self-sufficiency and human rights, potentially inspiring educational or commemorative efforts.
- On international relations: Could strengthen cultural ties with Jamaica (where Garvey is a national hero) and other nations in the Caribbean, Africa, and Latin America by acknowledging his global influence, fostering goodwill without formal diplomatic shifts.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Supporters of Garvey's legacy: Including historians, civil rights organizations, and millions of petitioners worldwide who have sought his exoneration.
- African-American and Black diaspora communities: As beneficiaries of Garvey's movement for economic independence and human rights.
- U.S. and Jamaican governments: The resolution indirectly involves the U.S. President and law enforcement history, while honoring Jamaica's national hero.
- Broader public: Through increased recognition of historical figures in the fight against racial injustice.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Highlights potential past abuses of power in prosecutions (e.g., politically motivated surveillance and charges), but does not challenge any active cases or provide grounds for legal remedy, as it is not enforceable.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's Article I power to express opinions via resolutions, but underscores limits on congressional influence over executive pardons or exonerations (handled by the President under Article II).
- Political: Represents a bipartisan or symbolic acknowledgment of historical injustices against Black leaders, potentially influencing public discourse on reparative justice or government accountability without partisan mandates. It reflects ongoing debates about recognizing overlooked civil rights figures.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Clarke, Yvette D. [D-NY-9]
Cosponsors (6)
Rep. Wilson, Frederica S. [D-FL-24], Rep. Johnson, Henry C. "Hank" [D-GA-4], Rep. Carson, André [D-IN-7], Rep. Kelly, Robin L. [D-IL-2], Rep. Beatty, Joyce [D-OH-3], Rep. Simon, Lateefah [D-CA-12]
Recent Actions
- 2025-08-15: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- 2025-08-15: Submitted in House
- 2025-08-15: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives with respect to Marcus Garvey. — issued 2025-08-15 — PDF (3 pages)