84R5741 WG-D

By: Reynolds H.R. No. 176

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, Missouri City is kicking off its Black History Month festivities with a celebration on February 7, 2015, providing area residents an opportunity to recognize the rich cultural heritage of African Americans and the contributions they have made and are making to the State of Texas and the world at large; and

WHEREAS, A weeklong observance focusing on black history was established in 1926 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 of 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 celebrate "Black History Month and the message of courage and perseverance it brings to all of us"; and

WHEREAS, African Americans have constituted a significant part of the population of Texas for hundreds of years; in the 19th century, before emancipation, they played an enormous role in producing this state's agricultural bounty and also worked as skilled artisans; after the Civil War, many moved to urban centers, and in the years that followed, they provided manpower for new industries that were being 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 black Seminole 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 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 substantially furthered the civil rights movement by filing and winning lawsuits that outlawed the white primary and that 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, The contributions of African Americans in the nation at large not only have impacted every facet of life in this country but also have had an influence around the globe; among their most notable but perhaps least-known achievements have been advances in science and technology; the long list of those who have distinguished themselves in these fields includes Alexander Miles, who developed the automated elevator door, Garrett Morgan, who invented the gas mask and the traffic signal, Frederick Jones, who developed refrigerated trucks and railroad cars, Dr. Charles Drew, who developed a technique for preserving plasma and who established blood banks across Europe and the Pacific during World War II, saving the lives of countless American soldiers and sailors, and Dr. Patricia E. Bath, who developed a method of eye surgery to remove cataracts; and

WHEREAS, Black History Month highlights the myriad ways in which African Americans have helped shape this nation over the course of four centuries, and this celebration acknowledges and promotes the immeasurable benefits of living in a truly diverse society; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas Legislature hereby recognize the City of Missouri City for its Black History Month celebration and encourage all citizens to learn more about the history of the African diaspora and about the accomplishments of African Americans.