Recognizing the courageous actions of Reverend Nat Turner in his fight to abolish slavery and make the majestic words of the Jeffersonian Declaration of Independence, "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness", apply to the enslaved, and for other purposes.

A House resolution honoring Nat Turner, who led an 1831 revolt against slavery — it states a view and changes no law.

The details

Most people would see no change in daily life. This resolution honors Reverend Nat Turner. He was born into slavery in Southampton County, Virginia, in 1800. In August 1831 he led a rebellion against slavery. It is a simple House resolution, so it would never become law. It only states the House's view. The resolution notes that Turner used controversial methods. It says he took the lives of more than 55 people, and was condemned and executed for it. It also states that, in revenge, militias, enslavers, and mobs killed as many as 120 African Americans, both enslaved and free. It adds that slave states then passed laws limiting the rights of enslaved people to read, write, and gather. In its main part, the House would honor Turner, whom it calls a freedom fighter, for his courage and sacrifice. It would recognize his part in the eventual end of slavery. It would urge more study and talk about the struggle for racial justice. It would restate the ideal that all people are created equal. It would also ask Americans to take a moment to reflect on Slavery Remembrance Day. The resolution was submitted on August 5, 2025, and sent to the House Judiciary Committee.