2022 -- S 2269

========

LC004790

========

     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2022

____________

S E N A T E   R E S O L U T I O N

PROCLAIMING FEBRUARY OF 2022, AS "BLACK HISTORY MONTH" IN THE STATE

OF RHODE ISLAND

     Introduced By: Senators Mack, Cano, Felag, Burke, Quezada, DiPalma, Murray, Acosta,
Lombardo, and Raptakis

     Date Introduced: February 15, 2022

     Referred To: Recommended for Immediate Consideration

     WHEREAS, Throughout the history of America, truly significant African-American

contributions to the economy, social growth, sciences, and arts in this great nation have all too

often been ignored. In recognition of this plethora of major accomplishments made by men and

women of African ancestry, the month of February is celebrated as "Black History Month" across

the nation; and

     WHEREAS, African-Americans were first brought to America forcibly. They were

enslaved, faced inhuman cruelty, and were subjected to injustices beyond understanding. Families

were torn apart, lynching went unpunished, and segregation and denial of fundamental

constitutional rights and protections went on for decades; and

     WHEREAS, Though these men, women and children suffered immense tragedies and

social inequalities, they also persevered, and their triumphs and contributions to the economic,

artistic, literary, scientific, and technological advancement of our country are significant and

momentous; and

     WHEREAS, African-Americans have been an integral part of Rhode Island's social,

political, and economic development from its beginning as a British colony, to its inclusion in the

formation of the United States, to the rich diversity of today's Ocean State; and

     WHEREAS, The systemic gaps that exist and continue to prevent the Black community

from creating generational wealth, for example, the existing home ownership gap between the

African-American community and the rest of American society must be recognized; and

     WHEREAS, The United States and particularly the State of Rhode Island owe a debt of

gratitude to our African-American citizens and their forefathers, whose documented

achievements have too long gone unrecognized; and

     WHEREAS, The theme for this year's celebration of Black History Month is "Black

Health and Wellness." This theme resonates for many given the current Covid-19 Pandemic and

the racial disparities that exist within America Healthcare. Observances throughout the month of

February will honor Black health pioneers such as Daniel Hale Williams, a renowned cardiologist

who performed the world's first successful open heart surgery in 1893, and Rebecca Lee

Crumpler, who in 1864 became the first Black woman in the United States to receive a medical

degree. Also, communities are being encouraged to honor and recognize the many doulas,

midwives, naturopaths, herbalists, and others who have worked tirelessly to improve the health

and well-being of Black Americans; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island hereby proudly proclaims

February as "Black History Month", and furthermore recognizes and applauds the sacrifices and

myriad contributions made by African-American men and women throughout this great nation's

history; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to the Rhode Island Black Heritage Society.

========

LC004790

========

LC004790 - Page 2 of 2