PRINTER'S NO. 2801
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No.
628
Session of
2015
INTRODUCED BY V. BROWN, ROZZI, NEILSON, COHEN, CALTAGIRONE,
HENNESSEY, READSHAW, LONGIETTI, KIRKLAND, ACOSTA, HARKINS,
KOTIK, ROEBUCK, GODSHALL, DRISCOLL, DUSH, SONNEY, PASHINSKI,
R. BROWN, SAINATO, VEREB, WATSON, KINSEY, O'NEILL, MARSICO,
MILLARD, MARKOSEK, BIZZARRO, ROTHMAN, YOUNGBLOOD, DiGIROLAMO,
MENTZER, FREEMAN, KAVULICH, McNEILL, THOMAS, WHEELAND,
SCHWEYER, ROSS AND GOODMAN, FEBRUARY 5, 2016
INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35,
FEBRUARY 5, 2016
A RESOLUTION
Designating the month of February 2016 as "Black History Month"
in Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, The contributions of African-American citizens as
scientists, inventors, legislators, farmers, educators,
explorers and countless other professions have greatly benefited
this Commonwealth and our nation; and
WHEREAS, On February 7, 1926, Dr. Carter Goodwin Woodson, an
African-American historian, recognized these contributions and
accomplishments and designated the second week of February as
"Negro History Week," chosen for the initial week-long
celebration to honor the birth month of President Abraham
Lincoln and abolitionist Frederick Douglass; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Woodson is often called the "Father of Black
History," dedicating his life to the field of African-American
history and encouraging the coordinated teaching and study of
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the history of American blacks in schools; and
WHEREAS, In 1976, President Gerald Ford officially recognized
and expanded "Black History Month" as part of the United States
Bicentennial, urging Americans to "seize the opportunity to
honor the too often neglected accomplishments of black Americans
in every area of endeavor throughout our history"; and
WHEREAS, The Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus has always
endeavored to vigorously advocate for the needs of all people of
color in this Commonwealth by acting as one voice concerning the
issues that most acutely influence their daily lives; and
WHEREAS, "Black History Month" is an opportunity for all
Americans to commemorate the struggles and victories of African
Americans in our history, their invaluable contributions to
society and their unyielding dedication to the overall
protection and defense of our nation in matters of both war and
peace; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives designate the
month of February 2016 as "Black History Month" in Pennsylvania
in recognition of the invaluable contributions of African
Americans to this Commonwealth and our nation and encourage all
citizens to explore the rich and significant heritage of the
African-American community.
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