SENATE RESOLUTION

8652

BySenator Fortunato

WHEREAS, U.S. Ambassador Michael McCarthy recognized the 200th Anniversary of the arrival of free Black men, women, and children from the United States to Providence Island in 1822; and

WHEREAS, The Bicentennial commemorates the special relationship between Liberia and the United States, two of the oldest republics in the world, maintaining strong historical, political, and economic ties for the past 200 years with nearly 80,000 people of Liberian descent calling America home; and

WHEREAS, The Liberian people, having faced significant adversity throughout their history, have sought to maintain the highest ideals of a free and democratic society; and

WHEREAS, Liberia celebrated a first peaceful transition of power since 1944 in the 2017 election; and

WHEREAS, The Liberian people have worked tirelessly to build and safeguard their liberty, rich history, and institutions; and

WHEREAS, The United States and its citizens have supported investments in democratic institutions, education, health care, and the general welfare of the Liberian people;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate recognize that the United States and Liberia have abundant accomplishments to be proud of and to look forward to advance future generations to better our countries; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate commend and congratulate Liberia for working to preserve democracy in West Africa for 200 years.

I, Sarah Bannister, Secretary of the Senate,

do hereby certify that this is a true and

correct copy of Senate Resolution 8652,

adopted by the Senate

February 17, 2022

SARAH BANNISTER

Secretary of the Senate