HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2001-4616, by Representatives Lovick, Cox, Haigh, Lambert, Santos, D. Schmidt, Romero, Casada, Fromhold, Esser, O'Brien, Skinner, Schual‑Berke, Jarrett, Gombosky, Sump, McDermott, Ahern, Murray, Delvin, Reardon, Armstrong, Jackley, Ruderman, Dickerson, Hurst, Pearson, Miloscia, Fisher, Marine, G. Chandler, Darneille, Veloria, Edmonds, Hankins, Pflug, Hatfield, Conway and Woods

       WHEREAS, Black History Month was established in February 1926 by Carter G. Woodson as Negro History Week and was later expanded to Afro‑American History Month in 1976 in honor of the nation's bicentennial; and

       WHEREAS, It was Carter G. Woodson's hope that through this special observance, all Americans would be reminded of their ethnic roots and develop a mutual respect for the contributions of all racial groups in America; and

       WHEREAS, For more than 300 years as part of an established system of slavery and human bondage, Black Americans toiled and survived and then overcame the degradation and shame of this system to become contributors at every level of our public and private endeavors; and

       WHEREAS, The desire to succeed and contribute to America caused Black Americans to defy racial hostility, Jim Crow Laws, and economic and social injustices; and

       WHEREAS, This willingness to succeed and the love for their country have left a positive impact on American culture and society in areas of education, medicine, industry, the military, religion, social sciences, philosophy, agriculture, engineering, and the arts; and

       WHEREAS, Black Americans continue to contribute widely to the attainment of peace, equality, and justice, and all Americans deserve to know of the great moments and accomplishments of Black Americans; and

       WHEREAS, George Washington Bush was the first Black American to serve in the Washington Territorial Legislature; Representatives Charles Stokes and Marjorie Pitter King were the first Black American man and woman to serve in the legislature following the proclamation of Washington statehood; and Charles Z. Smith was the first Black American to serve on the Washington State Supreme Court; and

       WHEREAS, The Washington State Legislature is honored to have among its former members the following elected Black American Representatives and Senators:  Sam Smith, Michael Ross, Peggie Joan Maxie, George Fleming, Bill Smitherman, Jesse Wineberry, Vivian Caver, and Dawn Mason; and

       WHEREAS, There have been major contributions made to Washington State history by Black American citizens including:  Civil rights leader Edwin T. Pratt; poet Mona Lake Jones; artists Jacob Lawrence and James Washington; historian Esther Mumford; and musicians Quincy Jones, Ernestine Anderson, and Jimi Hendrix; and

       WHEREAS, Washington is a beautiful state and America is a proud nation due to our recognition of the contributions made by many diverse ethnic populations and because of our ability to work together as a state dependent upon international peace, harmony, and cooperation;

       NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State House of Representatives recognize February 2001, as Black History Month, in recognition of Americans of African descent who have contributed to America, a nation in which we take great pride; and

       BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the members of the Washington State House of Representatives do hereby recognize and appreciate the many benefits of Black History Month to our citizenry and to our culture in general and that we urge all citizens of the State of Washington to join with us in taking the opportunity this month to explore this rich history and expand our world view; and

       BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Co‑Chief Clerks of the House of Representatives to the Chair of the Washington State Commission on African‑American Affairs, to Judge Charles Stokes, the first African-American member of the Washington State House of Representatives, and to Justice Charles Z. Smith of the Washington State Supreme Court.

              I hereby certify this to be a true and correct copy of

              Resolution 4616 adopted by the House of Representatives

                                February 22, 2001.

________________________________                      _____________________________

Timothy A. Martin, Co-Chief Clerk                   Cynthia Zehnder, Co-Chief Clerk