2013 -- S 0299

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LC01104

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STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2013

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S E N A T 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: Senators Metts, Pichardo, Goodwin, Ruggerio, and Paiva Weed

     Date Introduced: February 12, 2013

     Referred To: Recommended for Immediate Consideration

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

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

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

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

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the nation; and

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

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

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

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constitutional rights and protections went on for decades; and

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

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

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

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and

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

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

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

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

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

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

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the call of duty; and

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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construction of these magnificent historic structures; and

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

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

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achievements have too long gone unrecognized; and

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

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the hearts and minds of all Americans. Men and women like Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm,

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who sought the Democratic nomination for President in 1972, and civil rights leader Jesse

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Jackson, who sought the Democratic presidential nomination in the 1984 and 1988 elections,

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opened the doors to a new generation of African-American political leaders. Standing on the

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shoulders of trailblazers before him, President Barack Obama has articulated a message of change

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that has given hope for a truly united nation; now, therefore be it

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     RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations

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hereby proudly proclaims February as "Black History Month," and we further recognize and

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applaud the sacrifices and myriad of contributions made by African-American men and women

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

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

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

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LC01104

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