ASSEMBLY RESOLUTION No. 134

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

INTRODUCED JANUARY 23, 1997

By Assemblyman T. SMITH

An Assembly resolution declaring the month of February 1997 as "Black History Month" in the State of New Jersey in recognition of the accomplishments of Black Americans and their contributions to the history of this nation and State.

Whereas, The history of New Jersey and the history of our nation are inextricably linked to the heritage of our country's Black Americans; and

Whereas, In the beginning of our nation's history, the majority of Black Americans lived as slaves; yet many, such as Crispus Attucks, participated in the struggle for American independence, sacrificing their lives in order to build a society based upon the ideals of liberty, prosperity and self-government; and

Whereas, The history of Black Americans is the story of extraordinary individuals whose achievements have set examples for the citizens of all races; of freedom fighters such as Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman, who worked to abolish slavery; of scientists and innovators such as George Washington Carver and Elijah McCoy, whose inventions and innovations contributed immeasurably to the scientific progress and industrial success of this nation; and of social reformers such as Mary McCleod Bethune, W.E.B. DuBois, and Martin Luther King, who dedicated his life and inspired others to create a nation where all people are treated as equals; and

Whereas, The history of New Jersey has been enriched by the shining examples of Black New Jerseyans such as Paul Robeson, whose intellectual, musical and athletic achievements set the highest standards for people of all races, and William "Count" Basie, whose musical genius greatly enriched American music; and

Whereas, While the history of Black Americans is also the story of countless nameless heroes brought to our shores who endured lives of bondage and oppression, the deprivation of their civil rights, and the ravages of bigotry and racism, it is a history for which the most glorious chapters have yet to be written as Black Americans contribute in full measure to the fulfillment of the American promise; and

Whereas, The people of New Jersey and this nation should study black history, so that they may learn from its stories of heroism, struggle, and achievement; now, therefore,

    Be It Resolved by the General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

    1. This House hereby declares the month of February 1997 to be "Black History Month" in the State of New Jersey, and urges all citizens of this State to participate appropriately in its observance.

    2. A duly authenticated copy of this resolution, signed by the Speaker of the General Assembly and attested by the Clerk, shall be transmitted to the New Jersey State Conference of the NAACP. 

STATEMENT

    This resolution declares February 1997 as "Black History Month" in New Jersey and urges all citizens to participate appropriately in its observance.

Declares February 1997 as "Black History Month."