1-1 SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 117 1-2 WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas takes pride in 1-3 joining citizens throughout the country in recognizing 1-4 February of 1999 as Black History Month; and 1-5 WHEREAS, Carter Godwin Woodson, now known as the Father 1-6 of Black History, originally designated a week in February 1-7 of 1926 as Negro History Week; Carter Woodson was the son of 1-8 former slaves and grew up in an indigent setting; a remarkable 1-9 individual, he earned a college degree later in life and a 1-10 doctorate in history from Harvard University; he became a 1-11 successful educator and the author of several publications 1-12 and books; and 1-13 WHEREAS, Mr. Woodson's designated week of celebration was 1-14 later promoted by the Association for the Study of Afro-American 1-15 Life and History, which supported changing what had become known 1-16 as Black History Week into a monthlong event; its observance was 1-17 officially expanded when President Jimmy Carter proclaimed 1-18 February as Black History Month in 1976; and 1-19 WHEREAS, It is appropriate that our nation pay tribute to the 1-20 men and women who have strengthened our country through their many 1-21 achievements and their heritage; and 1-22 WHEREAS, The outstanding accomplishments of individuals from 1-23 black cultures are legendary throughout our history, and they have 1-24 contributed in countless ways to our country's enrichment; and 2-1 WHEREAS, Black History Month provides American citizens an 2-2 opportunity to express appreciation to the black men and women who 2-3 have made innumerable contributions to our society, and to the many 2-4 talented black leaders, such as Martin Luther King, Jr., who have 2-5 inspired Americans to reaffirm their commitment to equal justice 2-6 and opportunity for all; now, therefore, be it 2-7 RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 2-8 76th Legislature, hereby commend the observance of Black History 2-9 Month and encourage citizens across the state to celebrate this 2-10 nation's African-American heritage; and, be it further 2-11 RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared in honor 2-12 of Black History Month. 2-13 West 2-14 ______________________________________ 2-15 President of the Senate 2-16 I hereby certify that the above 2-17 Resolution was adopted by the Senate 2-18 on February 1, 1999. 2-19 ______________________________________ 2-20 Secretary of the Senate 2-21 ______________________________________ 2-22 Member, Texas Senate