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HJR 652

Memorials, Academic Achievement - Hannah Suggs, Salutatorian, Cocke County High School -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Jeremy Faison

Honors Annie Brown Kennedy’s pioneering legal and political career and commemorates her public service with a formal, symbolic recognition by the General Assembly.

Signed by Governor.
#academicachievement #memorials
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Bill Summary · HJR 652

Summary — H.J.R. 652: Honor Annie Brown Kennedy (Ratified)

Purpose

House Joint Resolution 652 is a ceremonial joint resolution of the North Carolina General Assembly honoring the life, public service, and professional achievements of Annie Brown Kennedy (1924–2023). It records her biography, public roles, civic involvement, and awards, extends the General Assembly’s sympathy to her family, and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to the family.

Key provisions

  • Officially honors the memory of Annie Brown Kennedy as a former member of the North Carolina House of Representatives and a “groundbreaking attorney.”
  • Recites biographical details and accomplishments included in the resolution: education (B.S., Spelman College, 1945; J.D., Howard University School of Law, 1951); legal career (one of the State’s early husband‑wife law firms; practice areas listed); historic distinctions (first African American woman presidential elector from NC in 1976; first African American woman to serve in the NC General Assembly when appointed in 1979); legislative service (member of the House, 1983–1994, and extensive committee service and chair/vice‑chair roles); civic and board memberships; and major awards (including the ABA Margaret Brent award, 2002; NCBA Justice Award, 1992; and other alumni and leadership honors).
  • Extends the General Assembly’s “deepest sympathy” to her surviving family (three sons named).
  • Directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to the family.
  • States the resolution is effective upon ratification.

Who is affected / impact

  • Primary effect is symbolic and commemorative: recognizes Annie Brown Kennedy’s contributions to Winston‑Salem, Forsyth County, and North Carolina.
  • No regulatory, fiscal, or programmatic changes are made; there is no budgetary impact or change in law.
  • The family receives an official copy of the resolution.

Legislative history and procedural timeline

  • Filed: April 17, 2023
  • Referred to Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House: April 18, 2023
  • Passed readings in House and Senate: June 21, 2023
  • Ordered enrolled: June 21, 2023
  • Ratified and recorded as Resolution 2023‑9: June 22, 2023
  • Effective: upon ratification

Significance

The resolution formally documents the State’s recognition of Kennedy’s pioneering roles in law and politics, her community leadership, and the honors she received during a long career of public and civic service.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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