HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 78

(By Delegates Lewis, Hansen, Hamilton, Stephens, Willis, Hornbuckle, Rowe, Akers, and Young)

[Introduced February 12, 2024; Referred
to the Committee on Rules]

Honoring the leadership and achievements of West Virginia's African Americans and urging the recognition of Black History Month.

Whereas, In the history of the United States our greatest aspirational ideals of our Republic have not always met with the reality of the lives of many Americans; and

Whereas, One of the most basic tenants of our republic that all Americans are created equal and entitled to fair and equal treatment has been an foundational tenant of our Country from the beginning but has struggled to be met as the natural human tendency of fear and distrust towards others based on religious, ethnic and birth origin differences still exists today; and

Whereas, Since the United States Civil War, which irradiated slavery for African Americans, but sadly was replaced in many parts of the county with a new Jim Crow era, where discrimination was less institutionalized but remained prevalent in our society; and the modern era, where discrimination has continued to recede but intolerance in the hearts of some still remains; and

Whereas, The contributions of African Americans, from all walks of life and throughout the history of the state of West Virginia, also reflect this struggle, and it is incumbent upon the leaders of this State, though constant diligence to advance eradication of the remnants of this legacy and reiterate the greatness of the Mountain State that is in all its people, and that the United States is best preserved by not removal but acceptance of others different from ourselves; and

Whereas, Many African Americans lived, toiled, and died in obscurity, never achieving the recognition those individuals deserved, yet paved the way for future generations to succeed; and

Whereas, In the face of injustices, people of good will and of all races in the United States have distinguished themselves with a commitment to these noble ideals of fairness which the United States was founded, and have fought courageously for the rights and freedom of African Americans and people of all races; and

Whereas, West Virginia has been home to some of the United States’ most influential African American scholars and leaders, but it is the average African American West Virginian's history that is most important to honor; and

Whereas, Black History Month, celebrated during the month of February, originated in 1926 when a West Virginian, Dr. Carter G. Woodson designated a special period in February to recognize the heritage and achievements of African Americans in the United States; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

That the Legislature acknowledges the significance of Black History Month as an opportunity to commemorate the contributions and achievements of African Americans to the history and culture of the United States and West Virginia and encourage the celebration of Black History Month to provide a continuing opportunity for people to learn from the past and understand experiences that have shaped this country; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the House forward a copy of this resolution to the Governor.