Assembly Concurrent Resolution
No. 18
CHAPTER 4
Relative to proclaiming Black History Month.
[
Filed with
Secretary of State
February 16, 1993.
]
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
ACR 18, Lee.
Black History Month.
This measure would proclaim the month of February 1993 as Black History Month.
Digest Key
WHEREAS, Americans of African descent helped develop our nation in countless ways, those recognized, unrecognized, and unrecorded; and
WHEREAS, The contributions of Black American citizens as scientists, inventors, educators, farmers, homemakers, and explorers of earth and sky have been recognized annually during Black History Month; and
WHEREAS, The history and contributions of Black American citizens were consistently overlooked and undervalued in the curriculum of public education institutions prior to the Civil Rights Act of 1964; and
WHEREAS, Carter Goodwin Woodson, a Black historian, recognized these accomplishments and, on February 7, 1926, created one of the cultural landmarks of contemporary America, “Negro History Week”; and
WHEREAS, In the 1960’s, during the height of the Civil Rights Movement, “Negro History Week” was expanded to “Black History Month”; and
WHEREAS, Innumerable Black citizens have contributed to the history of California, including the first Black citizen elected to the California Legislature, former Assembly Member Frederick Roberts, who served his constituents from 1918 to 1934; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate thereof concurring, That the month of February 1993 be proclaimed as Black History Month; and be it further
Resolved, That each legislative body commemorate Black History Month with appropriate, meaningful activities that recognize the contributions of Black Americans to their community, state, and nation; and be it further
Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly prepare suitably prepared copies of this resolution for appropriate distribution.