Recognizing the week of December 25, 2023, as the "Week of the Fight Against Black Slavery in the Americas".
Impact
By acknowledging the Santo Domingo Slave Revolt, HR940 aims to educate the public about the historical struggles against oppression and the resilience of those who fought for freedom. It calls on the people of the United States to reflect on this pivotal moment in history, fostering a greater understanding of the atrocities of slavery and the ongoing fight for justice and equality. This recognition serves to remind current and future generations of the sacrifices made for liberty and the importance of celebrating those who stood against injustice.
Summary
House Resolution 940 recognizes the week of December 25, 2023, as the 'Week of the Fight Against Black Slavery in the Americas.' The resolution commemorates the anniversary of the 1521 Santo Domingo Slave Revolt, which was one of the earliest recorded rebellions of enslaved Africans against their captors in the New World. Essentially, the resolution highlights the significant historical impact of this event and its importance in the broader narrative of the fight for freedom and human rights.
Contention
While the resolution primarily serves a commemorative purpose, it could provoke discussions around the legacies of slavery and the ways in which these historical events are taught in educational institutions. Some may argue over the visibility and acknowledgment of such events in U.S. history curricula, advocating for broader recognition of slavery's impact on today's societal structures. The resolution can also be seen as part of a larger movement to address systemic injustices that persist today, thus igniting dialogues on race, equality, and human rights.
Recognizing a half century of the independence of the Republic of Cabo Verde and celebrating the contributions of Cabo Verdean-Americans to democracy in Cabo Verde and the United States.
Recognizing the courageous actions of Reverend Nat Turner in his fight to abolish slavery and make the majestic words of the Jeffersonian Declaration of Independence, "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness", apply to the enslaved, and for other purposes.
A resolution designating June 19, 2024, as "Juneteenth Independence Day" in recognition of June 19, 1865, the date on which news of the end of slavery reached the slaves in the Southwestern States.