13-R062
2013 -- S 0299
Enacted 02/12/13
S E N A T E R E
S O L U T I O N
PROCLAIMING THE
MONTH OF FEBRUARY AS "BLACK HISTORY MONTH" IN THE STATE OF
Introduced By: Senators Metts, Pichardo, Goodwin, Ruggerio, and Paiva Weed
Date Introduced: February 12, 2013
WHEREAS, Throughout the history of
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
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 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
political, and economic development from its beginning as a
British colony, to its inclusion in the
formation of the
WHEREAS, From the initial shots fired in the struggle for American
Independence, to
the
Heavy Artillery Regiment (Colored) in 1863, Americans
of African descent 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
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
the town hall and theater; the Old Colony House, which at
one time served
capitol; and the oldest library in
tributes 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
gratitude to our African-American citizens and their
forefathers, whose documented
achievements have too long gone unrecognized; and
WHEREAS, This year’s celebration of "Black History Month"
holds a special place in
the hearts and minds of all Americans. Men and women like
Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm,
who sought the Democratic nomination for President in
1972, and civil rights leader Jesse
Jackson, who sought the Democratic presidential
nomination in the 1984 and 1988 elections,
opened the doors to a new generation of African-American
political leaders. Standing on the
shoulders of trailblazers before him, President Barack Obama has articulated a
message of change
that has given hope for a truly united nation; now,
therefore be it
RESOLVED,
That this Senate of the State of
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 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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LC01104
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