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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2021 - 2022
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | September 16, 2021 10:51 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Christopher M. Rabb and Rep. P. Michael Sturla |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Commemorating the 170th Anniversary of the Christiana Resistance |
| This year marks the 170th anniversary of the Christiana Resistance, which took place on September 11, 1851, in Lancaster County, at the home of the brave Underground Railroad conductor, William Parker. A federal law which passed in 1850 to appease slavery supporters permitted a white man from Maryland to attempt to recapture four Black men who had fled to Pennsylvania, where slavery had been abolished. Mr. Parker, with a multi-racial cohort of patriotic Pennsylvanians, defied the draconian dictates from the federal government, defending the rights of the fugitives and standing with their neighbors against injustice by staging a successful resistance against the enslaver and his posse. The Christiana Resistance marked a turning point in our nation’s history as it was seen as a major protest against the racist ideologies that perpetuated the institution of slavery; yet, 170 years later, our fight for racial justice has not ended. In recognition of this truth and of the values on which our state was conceived, I plan to introduce a concurrent resolution commemorating the 170th anniversary of the Christiana Resistance. This event was not only a proud point of our history in this state, but it also provides an example of the power of unified action among Pennsylvanians who stand for the values of justice, fairness, and personal liberty. It is crucial that we remember that our duty as Pennsylvanians is to carry on the legacy of those brave individuals who fought for the rights of their neighbors by standing united against injustice and hate. Please join us in acknowledging the history and importance of the Christiana Resistance and in calling on our fellow Pennsylvanians to continue fighting for justice in our state and beyond. |
Introduced as HR144