78R3073 JNC-D

By:  Dukes                                                        H.R. No. 45 



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, February 2003 is African American Heritage Month   
and the Austin Independent School District has lent consistent 
affirmation to this important observance; and
	WHEREAS, The first celebration of African-American heritage 
was held in 1926, due to the determined efforts of Dr. Carter G. 
Woodson, a historian who sought to focus attention on black 
contributions to civilization; and
	WHEREAS, The year 1976 saw the week-long commemoration 
extended to include all of February, a month significant and 
recognized in African-American history for the birthdays of great 
African-American pioneers, including W. E. B. DuBois and Frederick 
Douglass, and the founding of vital institutions such as the NAACP 
and the first Pan-African Congress; and
	WHEREAS, The Austin Independent School District (AISD) has 
long recognized the value of African American Heritage Month, which 
this year bears the theme "African Americans: Reaffirming our 
Faith, Family, and Culture"; through their studies, AISD students 
are encouraged to learn more about the substantial role African 
Americans have played in our nation's history; and
	WHEREAS, This important month-long celebration is an ideal 
way to increase public awareness of the myriad achievements and 
rich legacy of this nation's African-American leaders; now, 
therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 78th Texas 
Legislature hereby recognize February 2003 as African American 
Heritage Month and commend all those involved with the Austin 
Independent School District's observance of this notable event.