85R9598 BPG-D
By: Reynolds H.R. No. 364
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Black History Month is being celebrated in February
2017 in recognition of the rich cultural heritage and significant
achievements of African Americans; and
WHEREAS, In 1976, President Gerald R. Ford expanded and
formalized the half-century-old celebration of Black History Week,
urging citizens to use the entire month of February as an
opportunity "to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of
black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history";
and
WHEREAS, The country has continued to work toward gaining
greater understanding of the enormity of African American
contributions in all realms; in September 2016, Barack Obama, the
first African American president of the United States, helped to
inaugurate the National Museum of African American History and
Culture, noting the centrality of the African American experience
to the American story; at the opening ceremony, former president
George W. Bush, who signed the 2003 bill authorizing construction
of the building, affirmed the study of African American history as a
demonstration of our commitment to a fuller, more comprehensive
telling of the nation's story; and
WHEREAS, The public has flocked to the museum in
extraordinary numbers, and this year, a wide range of federal
institutions are offering special Black History Month programming
as well, among them the Library of Congress, the National Archives
and Records Administration, the National Gallery of Art, and the
National Park Service; events and institutions across Texas and
around the country are also paying tribute to cultural icons and
giants of the struggle for freedom; and
WHEREAS, While the journey of African Americans toward
freedom, equality, and justice has been long and difficult, the
trajectory of that path continues to inspire hope of a more
inclusive and ever-brighter future; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas
Legislature hereby recognize February 2017 as Black History Month
and encourage all Texans to take advantage of opportunities for
learning, reflection, and celebration.