81R7647 JNC-D
By: Giddings H.R. No. 487
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The celebration of Black History Month in February
2009 provides an opportunity to recognize the rich cultural
heritage of African Americans and the significant contributions
they have made and are making in the Lone Star State; and
WHEREAS, An event celebrating black history was established
in 1926 as a weeklong observance by Dr. Carter G. Woodson, an author
and scholar and the son of former slaves who sought a means of
educating non-black Americans about African American culture and
engendering pride among black Americans; the tribute was expanded
to a month in 1976 and was officially recognized by President Gerald
Ford, who encouraged all Americans to pay " . . . tribute to Black
History Month and the message of courage and perseverance it brings
to all of us"; and
WHEREAS, People of African descent have a long history in
Texas; in 1528, a Moor named Estevan accompanied the Spanish
explorer Alvar Nunez Cabeza de Vaca on a trek across our state; by
the end of the 18th century, some 450 individuals of African origins
lived in Spanish Texas, and in the early 1800s many African
Americans enslaved in the American South crossed the Sabine River,
seeking their freedom and settling in East Texas; and
WHEREAS, In the 19th century, before emancipation, African
Americans played an enormous role in producing the state's
agricultural bounty and also worked as skilled artisans; after the
Civil War, many moved to urban centers, and in the years to follow,
provided manpower for new industries that were established; and
WHEREAS, African American infantry and cavalry garrisoned
forts in West Texas during the Indian Wars; known as "Buffalo
Soldiers," they patrolled the frontier with the assistance of
Seminole-Negro Indian scouts, built roads, and escorted mail
carriers; Sergeant Emmanuel Stance, stationed at Fort McKavett, was
the first African American who fought in the Indian Wars to be
awarded the Medal of Honor; and
WHEREAS, Since the early 1800s, African Americans have been
involved in the cattle industry; one of the most famous black native
Texan cowboys was William Pickett, who became a Wild West rodeo
performer and who is believed to have originated the bulldogging
event; and
WHEREAS, In the mid-20th century, African Americans in Texas
significantly advanced the civil rights movement by filing and
winning lawsuits that outlawed the white primary and helped to
integrate graduate and professional schools; today, influential
African American leaders continue to follow in the footsteps of
their predecessors, taking their rightful place in the public arena
and promoting social justice; and
WHEREAS, African Americans have been a significant part of
the population of Texas for hundreds of years, and the celebration
of Black History Month acknowledges and promotes the immeasurable
benefits of living in a truly diverse society; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas
Legislature hereby recognize February 2009 as Black History Month
and encourage all citizens to learn more about the history and
accomplishments of African Americans in the Lone Star State.