Expressing support for the designation of September 23, 2025, as "Mary Church Terrell Day", and calling on Congress to recognize Mary Church Terrell's lasting contributions to the civil rights and women's rights movements.
H. Res. 762 is a House Resolution introduced to express parliamentary support for designating September 23, 2025, as “Mary Church Terrell Day” and to urge Congress to recognize Mary Church Terrell’s enduring contributions to the civil rights and women’s rights movements. The measure provides a biographical overview of Terrell’s life and activism, highlighting her role in education, desegregation efforts, anti-lynching campaigns, and leadership in civil rights and women’s organizations. As a resolution, it is a symbolic statement of the House’s views and support; it does not itself create new laws or authorize spending. The resolution would serve to encourage recognition and commemorative activities, potentially prompting other branches or local jurisdictions to observe the day.
Key Points
- 1The resolution designates September 23, 2025, as “Mary Church Terrell Day” and expresses support for that designation.
- 2It calls on Congress to recognize Mary Church Terrell’s lasting contributions to civil rights and women’s rights.
- 3The bill provides a detailed biographical summary of Terrell, including her birth in 1863, educational breakthroughs, leadership roles, and major campaigns (notably desegregation efforts in the District of Columbia and anti-lynching activities).
- 4It notes Terrell’s involvement with key organizations such as the National Association of Colored Women, the NAACP, and the National Association for University Women, highlighting her broader impact on both racial and gender equality.
- 5The measure indicates the Mary Church Terrell House is a National Historic Landmark, illustrating the lasting recognition of her legacy, and it was introduced in the House and referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.