86R9038 BK-D
By: Reynolds H.R. No. 155
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Black History Month is being celebrated in February
2019 in recognition of the rich cultural heritage and significant
achievements of African Americans; and
WHEREAS, The observance was first conceived by Dr. Carter G.
Woodson, a Harvard-educated scholar and the son of former slaves,
who saw a need to promote the research and study of African American
history at a time when it was overlooked by mainstream historians;
in 1926, Dr. Woodson chose the second week of February as Negro
History Week, due to the fact that it included the birthdays of
Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln, two men of great influence
to black Americans; in 1976, President Gerald R. Ford expanded and
formalized the celebration to include the entire month of February
and urged citizens to use it 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, 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 86th Texas
Legislature hereby recognize February 2019 as Black History Month
and encourage all Texans to take advantage of opportunities for
learning, reflection, and celebration.