07-R065
2007 -- H 5401
Enacted 02/08/07
H O U S E R E S O L U T I O N
PROCLAIMING THE MONTH
OF FEBRUARY AS "BLACK HISTORY MONTH" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
Introduced By:
Representatives Almeida, Fox, Diaz, Williams, and Slater
Date Introduced: February
08, 2007
WHEREAS,
Throughout the colonial history of America, truly significant African-
American
contributions to the economy, social growth, sciences and arts of 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, segregation and denial of fundamental
constitutional
rights
and protections went on for decades; and
WHEREAS,
Though these men and women 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,
From the initial shots fired in the struggle for American Independence, to
the
Rhode Island 1st Black Regiment's Battle of Newport, to the garrisons of the
Rhode Island 14th
Heavy
Artillery Regiment (Colored) in 1863, Americans of African decent have
responded to the
call
of duty; and
WHEREAS,
In recognition of the numerous positive and patriotic contributions of
African-American
Rhode Islanders in the United States military, we honor their legacy of
bravery,
honor, and sacrifice. From the earliest recordation of Black History in our
State,
including
those of slaves, former slaves, and free men, African-Americans have served
with pride
to
protect our vital interests and provide for our common defense; and
WHEREAS,
Structures in the City of Newport, such as the Brick Market, later used as
the
town hall and theater; the Old Colony House which at one time served Rhode
Island as its
capitol;
and the oldest library in America, the Redwood Library, stand as a lasting and
beautiful
tribute
to the African-Americans who lived in our state and played a major role in the
construction
of these magnificent historic structures; 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,
For the first time in the history of the National Football League, two Black
head
coaches led their teams to the Super Bowl. Tony Dungy, the coach of the
victorious
Indianapolis
Colts, eloquently stated that he knows he wasn't the first black man with the
ability,
he
was fortunate enough to be one of the first black men given the opportunity;
now, therefore be
it
RESOLVED,
That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and
Providence
Plantations hereby proudly proclaims February as "Black History
Month," and we
further
recognize and applaud the sacrifices and myriad of 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 he hereby is authorized and directed to
transmit
a duly certified copy of this resolution to the Rhode Island Black Heritage
Society.
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LC01606
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