Pennsylvania SR 214: A Resolution recognizing the month of February 2026 as "Black History Month" in Pennsylvania.

Bill Text

PRINTER'S NO. 1407
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
SENATE RESOLUTION
No. 214
Session of
2026
INTRODUCED BY STREET, HUGHES, SCHWANK, KIM, CULVER, SAVAL,
HAYWOOD, CAPPELLETTI, TARTAGLIONE, KEARNEY, L. WILLIAMS, KANE
AND COMITTA, JANUARY 30, 2026
REFERRED TO RULES AND EXECUTIVE NOMINATIONS, JANUARY 30, 2026
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing the month of February 2026 as "Black History Month"
in Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, The contributions of African-American citizens as
scientists, investors, legislators, farmers, educators,
explorers and countless other professions have positively
impacted every sphere of influence within this Commonwealth; and
WHEREAS, In 1915, in response to the dearth of information
that existed in the public domain regarding the feats and
accomplishments of African Americans, Dr. Carter Godwin Woodson,
an African-American historian, founded the Association for the
Study of Negro Life and History, which is now known as the
Association for the Study of African American Life and History
(ASALH); and
WHEREAS, In an effort to further build upon the mission and
scope of the ASALH, on February 7, 1926, Dr. Woodson designated
the second week of February as "Negro History Week," which was
chosen for the initial weeklong celebration to honor the birth
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month of President Abraham Lincoln and abolitionist Frederick
Douglass; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Woodson, often referred to as the "Father of
Black History," dedicated his life to the field of African-
American history and encouraged the coordinated teaching and
study of the history of African Americans in our nation's
schools; and
WHEREAS, In 1928, ASALH established its first annual theme
for what was then known as "Negro History Week," which was
"Civilization: A World Achievement"; and
WHEREAS, Over the course of several decades following the
inception of "Negro History Week," many local municipalities,
colleges and universities across the country began celebrating
the observance in an augmented form as "Black History Month";
and
WHEREAS, In 1976, President Gerald Ford officially recognized
and included "Black History Month" as part of the United States
Bicentennial, urging Americans to "seize the opportunity to
honor the too often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans
in every area of human endeavor throughout our history"; and
WHEREAS, The Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus has always
endeavored to vigorously advocate for the needs of all people of
color in this Commonwealth by acting as a unified voice
concerning the issues that most acutely impact their daily
lives; and
WHEREAS, This year's "Black History Month" theme, established
and adopted by ASALH, is "A Century of Black History
Commemorations" marking a century of national commemorations of
Black history, and how these commemorations have transformed
perceptions of Black people and their contributions to society
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and culture; and
WHEREAS, "Black History Month" is an opportunity for all
citizens to commemorate the historical hardships and
achievements of African Americans, laud their invaluable
contributions to both our domestic and global community and
acknowledge the sacrifices that African Americans have made on
behalf of and in defense of our great nation; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate recognize the month of February
2026 as "Black History Month" in Pennsylvania; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Senate encourage all residents of this
Commonwealth to learn and explore the rich and significant
heritage of African Americans.
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