LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the February 2013 celebration of
Black History Month in the State of New York

WHEREAS, Black History Month is traditionally observed in February of
each year; and
WHEREAS, The idea for an observance honoring the accomplishment of
Blacks was proposed by Dr. Carter G. Woodson, the founder of the Associ-
ation for the Study of African American Life and History and known as
the Father of Black History; and
WHEREAS, In 1926, Dr. Carter G. Woodson chose the second week in
February to observe Negro History Week because it included the birthdays
of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln; and
WHEREAS, During the early 1970s Negro History Week became known as
Black History Week, and in 1976 the week-long observance was extended to
the entire month of February in order to have enough time to hold cele-
bratory programs and activities and be established as Black History
Month; and
WHEREAS, Black History Month is designed to recognize and pay tribute
to many Blacks long neglected by society and the history books; and
WHEREAS, Black History Month aims to bridge the gap created by Ameri-
can history's failure to accurately acknowledge, portray and record the
contributions and inventions of African-Americans; and
WHEREAS, Black History Month seeks to emphasize that Black History is
American History; and
WHEREAS, Black History Month acknowledges the achievements of Blacks
in the Military, the Arts, Civil Rights, Education, Entertainment,
History, Law, Literature, Medicine, Music, Politics, Science, Sports,
and other Arenas; and
WHEREAS, African Americans reflect a proud legacy of courage and dedi-
cation that has helped to guide our Nation's success and prosperity; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend the Afri-
can American community for preserving for future generations its centu-
ries-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
commemorate the February 2013 celebration of Black History Month in the
State of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted at events commemorating Black History Month throughout the State
of New York.