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HJR 1552

Memorials, Recognition - Memphis Massacre of 1866, 160th anniversary -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Karen Camper

Memorializes the Memphis Massacre of 1866 to honor victims and promote reflection, education, and renewed commitment to equality and civil rights in Tennessee.

Signed by Senate Speaker
#memorials #recognition
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Bill Summary · HJR 1552

Summary of HJR 1552 (Session 114, Tennessee) — Memorializing the Memphis Massacre of 1866

Purpose and Intent

  • To commemorate the 160th anniversary of the Memphis Massacre of 1866.
  • The resolution recognizes the event as a significant, solemn chapter in Tennessee and U.S. history and emphasizes reflection, education, and a renewed commitment to equality, justice, and civil rights.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Official Recognition: The Tennessee General Assembly would memorialize and honor the memory of those who lost their lives in the Memphis Massacre (May 1–3, 1866) and acknowledge the broader Reconstruction era context and its lessons.
  • Remembrance and Education: The resolution frames the event as an opportunity for reflection, increased civic awareness, and a continued commitment to a more just and unified society grounded in equality and dignity for all people.
  • Public Record Purpose: As a concurrent resolution, it would be recorded as a matter of public record and presented to relevant parties; the final copy omits certain formatting details per the final clause of the resolution.
  • No Legislative Changes: The measure is symbolic, focusing on commemoration rather than creating new laws or changing existing statutes or programs.

Who/What Is Affected

  • Statewide Audience: Tennessee residents and policymakers.
  • Historical Memory: The event’s memory and the narrative surrounding Reconstruction-era racial violence in Memphis and the broader United States are highlighted, with emphasis on civil rights implications and the need for ongoing vigilance against discrimination.
  • Educational and Civic Discourse: The resolution could influence educational curricula, public dialogue, and commemorative practices within the state.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Sponsor: Representative Camper (Co-sponsor: Karen Camper).
  • Action History:
    • 2026-04-21: Introduced and placed on the House consent calendar for 4/22/2026.
    • 2026-04-21: Filed for introduction.
  • Status: A concurrent resolution (HJR) awaiting potential floor consideration and passage by both chambers and a governor’s signature, consistent with Tennessee’s typical concurrent resolution process.
  • Effective Date: As a memorial resolution, it would take effect upon passage and enactment, with no new regulatory or fiscal obligations.

Practical Impact

  • No fiscal impact or new regulatory requirements are anticipated.
  • Serves as a formal acknowledgment and educational prompt regarding the Memphis Massacre, Reconstruction-era violence, and the ongoing importance of equal protection and civil rights.
  • Supports public remembrance and civil society dialogue around justice, remembrance, and reconciliation.

If you’d like, I can provide a brief historical context of the Memphis Massacre of 1866 and how memorial resolutions like this are typically used in state government.

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

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