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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, The history of Texas and of the United States is a |
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richly textured tapestry woven of the contributions of many people |
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and many races, each enlivening the whole in large and small ways; |
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some of these contributions are well-documented and widely known |
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while others remain untold or have been long forgotten, yet all have |
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been essential in shaping the state and nation in which we live; and |
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WHEREAS, While the celebration of Black History Month in |
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February provides an occasion to recognize the rich cultural |
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heritage of one such group and often brings to light the significant |
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contributions that African Americans have made and are making, the |
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limited nature of this annual observation does not provide an |
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adequate platform for achieving a comprehensive, integrated, |
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in-depth understanding of the context in which various |
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contributions were made or of the true impact they have had on our |
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common heritage; and |
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WHEREAS, No part of Texas history is complete without mention |
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of the role African Americans played in that history, whether it is |
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the history of settlements in the state, the development of various |
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industries that have become synonymous with Texas, or the cultural |
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legacy we enjoy today; and |
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WHEREAS, Countless examples of contributions, innovations, |
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pioneering efforts, and stellar achievement abound, and it is |
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imperative to note and remember each one, however great or small, |
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not merely to preserve a legacy but to build on it as a foundation |
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for a better, more tolerant, and just society; to do so requires a |
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thorough study of the past in a rigorous and systematic manner that |
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is best achieved in a setting conducive to objective inquiry, |
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analysis, and understanding; and |
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WHEREAS, African American history, and the contributions of |
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blacks to the greatness of this state and nation, have not received |
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sufficient emphasis in the curriculum of our universities and |
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junior colleges, and students desiring to pursue further education |
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and research in this field find themselves hampered by the limited |
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offering of courses in African American studies; now, therefore, be |
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it |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 80th Texas |
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Legislature hereby request that the governing boards of public |
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junior college districts located in one or more counties with a |
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substantial African American population evaluate the demand for and |
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feasibility of establishing an African American studies program or |
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other course work in African American studies at one or more junior |
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colleges in their districts. |