Honoring the life and legacy of Henry Louis Aaron.
H. Res. 307 is a non-binding House resolution honoring the life, achievements, and civil rights legacy of Henry Louis “Hank” Aaron. Introduced April 8, 2025, by a group of House members, and referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, the measure commemorates Aaron’s extraordinary baseball career, his role in breaking racial barriers, and his philanthropic and civic work. As a symbolic, declarative resolution, it recognizes his contributions to the sport, to civil rights, and to American public life, but it does not authorize spending or create enforceable policy. The resolution recounts Aaron’s origins, his rise through segregated America, his historic on-field milestones (including his 715th and 755 career home runs, and other career records), and his off-field leadership and community work (including post-playing roles with MLB, the NAACP, and charitable foundations). It also notes honors he received (Hall of Fame induction, Presidential Medal of Freedom, Hank Aaron Award), and recognizes his enduring impact as a national symbol of perseverance and equality.
Key Points
- 1The measure is a non-binding, symbolic resolution that honors Hank Aaron’s life, athletic excellence, and civil rights impact, signaling the House’s respect and recognition.
- 2It highlights Aaron’s barriers and perseverance in the face of Jim Crow and racism—along with his integrity as a player who did not use steroids or other performance-enhancing drugs.
- 3It documents major career milestones, including:
- 4- Moving from the Negro leagues to Major League Baseball and becoming one of the game’s all-time greats;
- 5- Finishing with 755 career home runs (a record for decades), 3,000+ hits, 2,297 RBIs, 6,856 total bases, and multiple batting titles and Gold Glove awards;
- 6- Being the first player to reach both 3,000 hits and 500 home runs, and earning a place in the Baseball Hall of Fame (1982) with a record vote share at the time.
- 7It acknowledges Aaron’s leadership roles beyond playing, such as becoming a senior MLB executive with the Atlanta Braves, his support for the NAACP, and his Chasing the Dream Foundation to mentor and assist underprivileged youth.
- 8The resolution notes his campaigns of commemoration and recognition, including Braves retirement of his number, statues, commemorative street naming (Hank Aaron Drive), and his broader cultural legacy, including honors from MLB and federal recognition.