2012 -- H 7402

=======

LC01023

=======

STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2012

____________

H O U S E R E S O L U T I O N

PROCLAIMING THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY AS "BLACK HISTORY MONTH" IN THE

STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

     Introduced By: Representatives Williams, Hull, Medina, McCauley, and Tanzi

     Date Introduced: February 07, 2012

     Referred To: House read and passed

1-1

     WHEREAS, Throughout the colonial history of America, truly significant African-

1-2

American contributions to the economy, social growth, sciences, and arts of this great nation have

1-3

all too often been ignored. In recognition of this plethora of major accomplishments made by men

1-4

and women of African ancestry, the month of February is celebrated as "Black History Month"

1-5

across the nation; and

1-6

     WHEREAS, African-Americans were first brought to America forcibly. They were

1-7

enslaved, faced inhuman cruelty, and were subjected to injustices beyond understanding. Families

1-8

were torn apart, lynching went unpunished, and segregation and denial of fundamental

1-9

constitutional rights and protections went on for decades; and

1-10

     WHEREAS, Though these men and women suffered immense tragedies and social

1-11

inequalities, they also persevered, and their triumphs and contributions to the economic, artistic,

1-12

literary, scientific, and technological advancement of our country are significant and momentous;

1-13

and

1-14

     WHEREAS, African-Americans have been an integral part of Rhode Island's social,

1-15

political and economic development from its beginning as a British colony, to its inclusion in the

1-16

formation of the United States, to the rich diversity of today's Ocean State; and

1-17

     WHEREAS, From the initial shots fired in the struggle for American Independence, to

1-18

the Rhode Island 1st Black Regiment's Battle of Newport, to the garrisons of the Rhode Island 14th

1-19

Heavy Artillery Regiment (Colored) in 1863, Americans of African descent have responded to

1-20

the call of duty; and

2-1

     WHEREAS, In recognition of the numerous positive and patriotic contributions of

2-2

African-American Rhode Islanders in the United States military, we honor their legacy of

2-3

bravery, honor, and sacrifice. From the earliest recordation of Black History in our State,

2-4

including those of slaves, former slaves, and free men, African-Americans have served with pride

2-5

to protect our vital interests and provide for our common defense; and

2-6

     WHEREAS, Structures in the City of Newport, such as the Brick Market, later used as

2-7

the town hall and theater; the Old Colony House, which at one time served Rhode Island as its

2-8

capitol; and the oldest library in America, the Redwood Library, stand as lasting and beautiful

2-9

tributes to the African-Americans who lived in our state and played a major role in the

2-10

construction of these magnificent historic structures; and

2-11

     WHEREAS, The United States and particularly the State of Rhode Island owe a debt of

2-12

gratitude to our African-American citizens and their forefathers, whose documented

2-13

achievements have too long gone unrecognized; and

2-14

     WHEREAS, This year’s celebration of “Black History Month” holds a special place in

2-15

the hearts and minds of all Americans. Men such as civil rights leader Jesse Jackson, who sought

2-16

the Democratic presidential nomination in 1984 and 1988, opened the doors to a new generation

2-17

of African-American political leaders. Standing on the shoulders of trailblazers before him,

2-18

President Barack Obama has articulated a message of change that has given hope for a truly

2-19

united nation; now, therefore be it

2-20

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and

2-21

Providence Plantations hereby proudly proclaims February as "Black History Month," and we

2-22

further recognize and applaud the sacrifices and myriad of contributions made by African-

2-23

American men and women throughout this great nation's history; and be it further

2-24

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he hereby is authorized and directed to

2-25

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to the Rhode Island Black Heritage Society.

=======

LC01023

=======