WHEREAS, The Washington State Senate should recognize any and all citizens who commit themselves to the betterment of their fellow citizens through adversity and hardship; and

WHEREAS, The courageous efforts of Richard Allen, born a slave in 1760, led to the creation of the African Methodist Episcopal Church in 1794; and

WHEREAS, The late Richard Allen became an inspiration to those who fought for freedom, social justice, and equality; and

WHEREAS, The African Methodist Episcopal congregation in Tacoma continues Richard Allen's mission to seek out the lost and serve the needy; and

WHEREAS, The members of the congregation contributed to the movement to create a postal stamp recognizing the significant contributions of both Richard Allen and the African Methodist Episcopal Church;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Senate commend and congratulate the members of the Allen African Methodist Episcopal Church for ensuring that the Richard Allen postal stamp became a reality, and thank them for their work on furthering social justice and equality for all.

I, Hunter G. Goodman, Secretary of the Senate,

do hereby certify that this is a true and

correct copy of Senate Resolution 8719,

adopted by the Senate

February 12, 2016

HUNTER G. GOODMAN

Secretary of the Senate