R 128

2020 -- S 2492 Enacted 02/25/2020

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 RHODE ISLAND

Introduced By: Senators Metts, Quezada, Cano, Ruggerio, and McCaffrey

Date Introduced: February 25, 2020

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 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 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 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 lasting and beautiful

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 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 "African

Americans and the Vote." The year 2020 is a landmark year for voting rights. It is the 150th

Anniversary of the Fifteenth Amendment which explicitly gave black men the right to vote in the

United States. Those rights had been illegally denied by numerous states until 1965. This year's

theme recognizes the historical struggle for voting rights experienced by people of color

throughout American history; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations

hereby proudly proclaims February as "Black History Month," and furthermore recognizes and

applauds 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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LC004595

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