LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor David A. Paterson to
proclaim February 2010 as Black History Month in the State of New York

WHEREAS, Black History Month, previously known as Negro History Week,
was founded by Dr. Carter G. Woodson, and was first celebrated on Febru-
ary 1, 1926; since 1976, it has become a nationally recognized month-
long celebration, held each year during the month of February to
acknowledge and pay tribute to African-Americans neglected by both soci-
ety and the history books; and
WHEREAS, The month of February observes the rich and diverse heritage
of our great State and Nation; and
WHEREAS, Black History Month seeks to emphasize that Black History is
American History; and
WHEREAS, Black History Month is a time to reflect on the struggles and
victories of African-Americans throughout our country's history and to
recognize their numerous valuable contributions to the protection of our
democratic society in war and in peace; and
WHEREAS, Some African-American pioneers whose many accomplishments,
all which took place during the month of February, went unnoticed as
well as numerous symbolic events in February, that deserve to be memori-
alized include: John Sweat Rock, a noted Boston lawyer who became the
first African-American to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court on
February 1, 1865, and the first African-American to speak before the
U.S. House of Representatives; Jonathan Jasper Wright, the first Afri-
can-American to hold a major judicial position, who was elected to the
South Carolina Supreme Court on February 1, 1870; the Ratification of
the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was adopted by the 38th
Congress on February 1, 1865; the Selma, Alabama, Civil Rights Demon-
stration comes to an end with the arrest of more than 700 demonstrators
including Martin Luther King, Jr.; Autherine J. Lucy became the first
African-American student to attend the University of Alabama, February
3, 1956 - she was expelled three days later "for her own safety" in
response to threats from a mob; in 1992, Autherine Lucy Foster graduated
from the University with a Master's degree in Education, the same day
her daughter, Grazia Foster, graduated with a Bachelor's degree in
Corporate Finance; the Negro Baseball League was founded on February 3,
1920; Jack Johnson became the first Negro Heavyweight Champion on Febru-
ary 3, 1903; and Reginald F. Lewis, born on February 3rd in Baltimore,
Maryland, received his law degree from Harvard Law School in 1968 - he
was a partner in Murphy, Thorpes & Lewis, the first Black law firm on
Wall Street, and in 1989, he became President and CEO of TLC Beatrice
International Food Company, the largest Black-owned business in the
United States; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of the vast contributions of African-Ameri-
cans, a joyful month-long celebration is held across New York State and
across the United States with many commemorative events to honor and
display the cultural heritage of African-Americans; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body commends the African-American community
for preserving, for future generations, its centuries-old traditions
that benefit us all and add to the color and beauty of the tapestry
which is our American society; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor David A. Paterson to proclaim February 2010 as
Black History Month in the State of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable David A. Paterson, Governor of the State of New

York, and to the events commemorating Black History Month throughout New
York State.