HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2000-4757, by Representatives Lovick, Lantz, Rockefeller, O'Brien, Wensman, D. Schmidt, McDonald, Constantine, Conway, Santos, Hatfield, Carlson, Thomas, Hankins, Dickerson, Fortunato, Esser, Talcott, Kenney, Edmonds, Kagi, Veloria, Pflug, Skinner and Barlean

        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, This year's theme for Black History Month is "Heritage and Horizons:  The African‑American Legacy and the Challenges of the 21st Century," as determined each year by the Association for the Study of African‑American Life and History; 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 has 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 2000, 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 4757 adopted by the House of Representatives

                                  February 18, 2000.

________________________________                        _____________________________

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