The bill, H. 4486, is a House Resolution introduced in the South Carolina General Assembly to honor the life and legacy of the Honorable Joseph Hayne Rainey on the occasion of his birthday, June 21. Rainey, born into slavery in Georgetown, South Carolina, in 1832, became a significant figure in American politics as the first African American to serve in the United States House of Representatives during the Reconstruction era. The resolution highlights his commitment to civil rights, education, and economic opportunity, as well as his efforts to promote racial equality and defend the constitutional rights of all Americans.

The resolution expresses the pride of the South Carolina House of Representatives in recognizing Rainey's contributions to the state and the nation, emphasizing his role as a trailblazer for future generations of Black leaders. It concludes with a directive to present a copy of the resolution to the Joseph Rainey Center for Public Policy, which continues to honor his legacy by empowering new civic-minded public servants.