SJR37 Alabama 2025 Session

Updated Feb 23, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: William “Bill” M. BeasleySenator
Democrat
Session: 2025 Regular Session
Title: Fred D. Gray, commended
Summary: The Alabama Legislature commends Fred D. Gray for his lifelong civil rights work and achievements.
What This Bill Does
This joint resolution formally recognizes former State Representative Fred D. Gray for his 70-year career in civil rights law and ongoing work at age 94. It highlights his role in desegregation efforts, including representing Rosa Parks and Claudette Colvin and supporting actions that led to bus desegregation, along with his work for civil rights leaders and organizations. The resolution is ceremonial and does not create legal obligations or change laws.

Who It Affects
Fred D. Gray – receives formal commendation and public recognition.
The Alabama Legislature – officially acknowledges and honors Gray’s contributions.
Civil rights community and institutions he helped – receive public acknowledgment of his legacy.

Key Provisions
Commends Fred D. Gray for his 70-year civil rights career and ongoing legal work as a former State Representative.
Notes his role as Senior Partner at Gray, Langford, Sapp, McGowan, Gray, Gray & Nathanson, P.C.
Describes his work with the NAACP and Legal Defense Fund and his representation of Rosa Parks and Claudette Colvin, contributing to desegregation.
Lists his representation of civil rights leaders (Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., John Lewis, the Freedom Riders, and Selma to Montgomery marchers) and civil rights organizations (NAACP, SCLC, SNCC, CORE) as well as victims of the Tuskegee Study.
Mentions major awards and honors (Presidential Medal of Freedom, ABA Medal, LDF Thurgood Marshall Award) and the Smithsonian’s installation of his portrait in the National Portrait Gallery.
Notes the Fred D. Gray Institute for Human and Civil Rights hosting its inaugural National Symposium in Montgomery and that the resolution expresses high regard and appreciation for his service.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Resolutions