H.C.R. No. 57

HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The celebration of Black History Month in February 2007 provides an opportunity to recognize the rich cultural heritage of African Americans and the significant contributions they have made and are making in the Lone Star State; and

WHEREAS, An event celebrating black history was established in 1926 as a week-long observance by Dr. Carter G. Woodson, an author and scholar and the son of former slaves who sought a means of educating non-black Americans about African American culture and engendering pride among black Americans; the tribute was expanded to a month in 1976 and was officially recognized by President Gerald Ford, who encouraged all Americans to pay " . . . tribute to Black History Month and the message of courage and perseverance it brings to all of us"; and

WHEREAS, People of African descent have a long history in Texas; in 1528, a Moor named Estevan accompanied the Spanish explorer Alvar Nunez Cabeza de Vaca on a trek across our state; by the end of the 18th century some 450 individuals of African origins lived in Spanish Texas, and in the early 1800s many African Americans enslaved in the American South crossed the Sabine River, seeking their freedom and settling in East Texas; and

WHEREAS, In the 19th century, before emancipation, African Americans played an enormous role in producing the state's agricultural bounty and also worked as skilled artisans; after the Civil War, many moved to urban centers, and in the years to follow, provided manpower for new industries that were established; and

WHEREAS, African American infantry and cavalry garrisoned forts in West Texas during the Indian Wars; known as "Buffalo Soldiers," they patrolled the frontier with the assistance of Seminole-Negro Indian scouts, built roads, and escorted mail carriers; Sergeant Emmanuel Stance, stationed at Fort McKavett, was the first African American who fought in the Indian Wars to be awarded the Medal of Honor; and

WHEREAS, Since the early 1800s, African Americans have been involved in the cattle industry; one of the most famous black native Texan cowboys was William Pickett, who became a Wild West rodeo performer and who is believed to have originated the bulldogging event; and

WHEREAS, In the mid-20th century, African Americans in Texas significantly advanced the civil rights movement by filing and winning lawsuits that outlawed the white primary and helped to integrate graduate and professional schools; today, influential African American leaders continue to follow in the footsteps of their predecessors, taking their rightful place in the public arena and promoting social justice; and

WHEREAS, African Americans have been a significant part of the population of Texas for hundreds of years, and the celebration of Black History Month acknowledges and promotes the immeasurable benefits of living in a truly diverse society; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the 80th Legislature of the State of Texas hereby designate February 2007 as Black History Month in Texas and encourage all citizens to learn more about the history and accomplishments of African Americans in the Lone Star State.

Thompson

______________________________ ______________________________

President of the Senate Speaker of the House

I certify that H.C.R. No. 57 was adopted by the House on February 12, 2007, by a non-record vote.

______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House

I certify that H.C.R. No. 57 was adopted by the Senate on April 4, 2007, by a viva-voce vote.

______________________________ Secretary of the Senate APPROVED: __________________

Date

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Governor