85R9969 KID-D
By: Giddings H.R. No. 401
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The celebration of Black History Month in February
2017 provides a welcome opportunity to recognize the rich cultural
heritage and significant contributions of African Americans in
Texas; and
WHEREAS, A weeklong observance focusing on black history was
established in 1926 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 of
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 celebrate "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 the
Lone Star State; in 1528, less than 10 years after explorers claimed
Texas in the name of King Charles I, a Moor named Estevanico
accompanied the Spanish explorer Alvar Nuñez Cabeza de Vaca on a
trek across Texas; by the late 1700s, some 450 people of African
descent were living in Spanish Texas, and in the early 1800s, many
African Americans from the South escaped across the Sabine River to
freedom, often settling in East Texas, where they undertook a
variety of occupations; 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 that
followed, 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 black
Seminole 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 Texan
cowboys was Bill 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
substantially furthered the civil rights movement by filing and
winning lawsuits that outlawed the white primary and that 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, The contributions of African Americans in the nation
at large have not only impacted every facet of life in this country
but have had an influence around the globe; among the most notable
but perhaps least-known achievements have been advances in science
and technology; the long list of those who have distinguished
themselves in these fields includes Alexander Miles, who developed
the automated elevator door, Garrett Morgan, who invented the gas
mask and the traffic signal, Frederick Jones, who developed
refrigerated trucks and railroad cars, Dr. Charles Drew, who
developed a technique for preserving plasma and who established
blood banks across Europe and the Pacific during World War II,
saving the lives of countless American soldiers and sailors, and
Dr. Patricia E. Bath, who developed a method of eye surgery that
has helped many blind people to see; and
WHEREAS, The celebration of Black History Month highlights
the countless ways in which African Americans have helped to shape
this state and nation and acknowledges the immeasurable benefits of
living in a truly diverse society; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas
Legislature hereby commemorate February 2017 as Black History Month
and encourage all citizens to learn more about the history and
accomplishments of African Americans.