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79R3738 SMC-D

By:  Jones of Dallas                                            H.C.R. No. 104



CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
	WHEREAS, Approximately 260,000 Africans and their progeny 
were enslaved in Texas in the period from 1821 through 1865; and
	WHEREAS, Slavery was an injustice that caused African 
Americans to suffer great hardships, both tangible and intangible, 
including the loss of liberty and human dignity; and
	WHEREAS, Although the achievements of African Americans in 
overcoming the effects of slavery stand as a source of tremendous 
inspiration, the successes of slaves and their descendants do not 
diminish the past failure of the nation to grant these Americans 
their birthright of equality and the civil rights that safeguard 
freedom; and
	WHEREAS, African American art, history, and culture reflect 
experiences of slavery and freedom and the continual struggle for 
full recognition of citizenship and for treatment with dignity and 
respect; and
	WHEREAS, There is inadequate preservation and recognition of 
the many contributions of African Americans within American 
society, and there is a need to heighten cultural understanding of 
African American heritage to further enhance racial harmony; and
	WHEREAS, An apology is an important and necessary step in the 
process of racial reconciliation, for it represents an important 
healing interaction and may restore damaged relationships, whether 
between two people or between groups of people; and
	WHEREAS, It is fitting and proper for the Texas Legislature 
not only to recognize June 19, 1865, as the noteworthy day when the 
emancipation of slaves was proclaimed in Texas, but also to 
acknowledge the historic significance of the abolition of slavery 
and to express remorse for the legacy of slavery to all Texans; and
	WHEREAS, The 79th Legislature of the State of Texas hereby 
acknowledges the fundamental injustice, cruelty, brutality, and 
inhumanity of slavery in Texas and apologizes to African Americans 
and to all the people of Texas for the wrongs committed against 
their predecessors who suffered as slaves and whose legacy has 
affected all society; and
	WHEREAS, The 79th Legislature of the State of Texas further 
repudiates and expresses regret for the injustices inflicted upon 
African Americans during the era of slavery; moreover, the 79th 
Legislature commends the efforts of reconciliation initiated by 
organizations and individuals concerned with civil rights and 
liberties and calls for a national initiative of reconciliation 
among the races; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the 79th Legislature of the State of Texas 
hereby direct the State Board of Education to examine the 
institution of slavery, subsequent racial and economic 
discrimination against African Americans, and the impact of that 
history on African Americans today; the State Board of Education 
shall further prepare for use in public schools a standardized 
history curriculum on the institution of slavery in the United 
States.