Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HCR62

Introduced
8/18/23  

Caption

Original Slavery Remembrance Day Memorialization Resolution

Impact

If enacted, HCR62 would institutionalize a day of remembrance for slavery victims, which could influence how educational institutions and communities commemorate this aspect of history. This is expected to foster discussions about past injustices and encourage movements towards reparative justice. The resolution highlights systemic issues such as social inequality and racial wealth gaps that are ongoing legacies of slavery, thereby impacting public policies and community programs aiming at racial equity.

Summary

HCR62, known as the 'Original Slavery Remembrance Day Memorialization Resolution', serves as a call to honor and remember the victims of slavery in the United States. The resolution emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the grave injustices and brutalities faced by enslaved individuals, expressing a collective sorrow for their suffering and an obligation to prevent such atrocities from reoccurring in the future. It proposes that an annual commemorative event be held around August 20th to facilitate this remembrance, underlining the necessity of education and public engagement in recognizing the deep-seated effects of slavery on society today.

Contention

Debates surrounding HCR62 may arise over the implications of how history is taught and remembered, alongside differing views on the necessity of a formal remembrance day. Proponents argue that such recognition is vital for societal healing and acknowledgment of past traumas, while opponents might question the effectiveness of commemorative actions without concrete reparative measures. The resolution also points toward the need for continual public awareness regarding present-day slavery, including issues like human trafficking, thus expanding its relevance to contemporary social justice debates.

Companion Bills

US HCR125

Related Original Slavery Remembrance Day Commemorative Remembrance Program Resolution

Previously Filed As

US SJR40

Original Slavery Remembrance Day Resolution

US HJR84

Original Slavery Remembrance Day Resolution

US HCR125

Original Slavery Remembrance Day Commemorative Remembrance Program Resolution

US HJR67

Original Slavery Remembrance Month Resolution

US HR656

Original Resolution Honoring John Brown

US HCR44

Urging the establishment of a United States Commission on Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation.

US HCR116

Original Resolution to Commemorate Slavery Remembrance Day in Emancipation Hall

US HR655

Original Resolution Honoring Houston’s Seven Major Black Newspapers

US HR337

Original Fair Housing Resolution of 2023

US SCR19

A concurrent resolution urging the establishment of a United States Commission on Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation.

Similar Bills

US SB2311

LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games Commemorative Coin Act

US HB5334

Peter J. McGuire Labor Day Landmark Act

US HB987

Prime Minister Golda Meir Commemorative Coin Act

US HB807

Working Dog Commemorative Coin Act

US HB5131

Erie Canal Bicentennial Commemorative Coin Act

US HB2717

Hershel Woody Williams National Medal of Honor Monument Location Act

US HR249

Expressing support for the designation of March 23, 2023, as "Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day", and calling on each State, the District of Columbia, and each territory to recognize the Tuskegee Airmen for their heroism, valor, and exemplary service to the Nation.

US HR669

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States Postal Service should issue a commemorative postage stamp honoring Lewis Howard Latimer, in recognition of his distinctive life, scientific achievements, and his civic contributions to technological advancement, to commemorate the 175th year anniversary of his birth and that the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee should recommend to the Postmaster General that such a stamp be issued.