1Designating the month of February 2014 as "Black History Month"
2in Pennsylvania.

3WHEREAS, The contributions of African-American citizens as
4scientists, inventors, legislators, farmers, educators,
5explorers and countless other professions have greatly benefited
6this Commonwealth and our nation; and

7WHEREAS, On February 7, 1926, Dr. Carter Goodwin Woodson, an
8African-American historian, recognized these contributions and
9accomplishments and designated the second week of February as
10"Negro History Week," chosen for the initial week-long
11celebration to honor the birth month of President Abraham
12Lincoln and abolitionist Frederick Douglass; and

13WHEREAS, Woodson is often called the "Father of Black
14History," dedicating his life to the field of African-American

1history, encouraging the coordinated teaching and study of the
2history of American blacks in schools; and

3WHEREAS, In 1976, President Gerald Ford officially recognized
4and expanded Black History month as part of the United States
5Bicentennial, urging Americans to "seize the opportunity to
6honor the too often neglected accomplishments of black Americans
7in every area of endeavor throughout our history"; and

8WHEREAS, The Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus has always
9endeavored to vigorously advocate for the needs of all people of
10color in this Commonwealth by acting as one voice concerning the
11issues that most acutely influence their daily lives; and

12WHEREAS, Black History Month is an opportunity for all
13Americans to commemorate the struggles and victories of African
14Americans in our history, their invaluable contributions to
15society and their unyielding dedication to the overall
16protection and defense of our nation in matters of both war and
17peace; therefore be it

18RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives designate the
19month of February 2014 as "Black History Month" in Pennsylvania
20in recognition of the invaluable contributions of African
21Americans to this Commonwealth and our nation and encourage all
22citizens to explore the rich and significant heritage of the
23African-American community.