State Representative Carl Gilliard (D-Savannah) has announced a partnership with the Savannah College of Art and Design’s SCAD SERVE Design for Good initiative to create a permanent memorial at the Georgia State Capitol. The monument will honor the legacy of the Original 33 Plus One, a group significant in Georgia’s civic history.
Rep. Gilliard will collaborate with students from SCAD’s programs in sculpture, painting, writing, and photography to design the memorial. The project aims to commemorate the Original 33 Plus One with dignity and permanence.
“I am honored to see the vision behind House Bill 303 – which passed unanimously during the 2025 legislative session – come to life as we begin work on a permanent memorial to the Original 33 Plus One,” said Rep. Gilliard. “This monument will stand as a testament to their courage and sacrifice, and I am grateful to partner with SCAD SERVE and commend the SCAD professors and students who have conducted extensive research and contributed thoughtful design work to help shape this memorial. Passing HB 303 was only the first step – this memorial will help ensure future generations understand the profound impact these trailblazers had on our state and our democracy.”
The centerpiece of the proposed memorial is a bronze ladder-back chair authentic to the Reconstruction era, surrounded by 34 glass quill sculptures. These elements are intended to symbolize both legislative participation and democratic governance.
SCAD SERVE is an initiative that involves students, alumni, faculty, and staff in projects addressing community needs related to food, shelter, clothing, environment, safety, and education in Savannah and Atlanta. The Design for Good program within SCAD SERVE engages students in multidisciplinary courses where they work with mission-based organizations on real-world challenges under faculty guidance.
Once completed, plans for the monument will be presented to the Capitol Arts Standards Commission. If approved, it could be dedicated on Capitol grounds after the 2026 legislative session.
Jon G. Burns has served as a Republican representative for Georgia’s 159th House District since his election in 2005, succeeding Ray Holland.
