THE BILL ITSELF
HR 8129
100th Anniversary of Black History Month
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House Resolution
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A resolution recognizing the 100th anniversary of
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Black History Month and honoring the achievements,
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history, and heritage of African Americans in Florida
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and across the United States.
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WHEREAS, in 1926, Dr. Carter G. Woodson and the Association
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for the Study of Negro Life and History established "Negro
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History Week," and
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WHEREAS, the observance strategically coincided with the
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February birthdays of Frederick Douglass, a formerly enslaved
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abolitionist, writer, and statesman, and Abraham Lincoln, the
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President who issued the Emancipation Proclamation, and
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WHEREAS, "Negro History Week" grew substantially over the
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decades, expanding into a monthlong celebration in schools
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across the country, and
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WHEREAS, in 1976, President Gerald R. Ford formally
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recognized February as Black History Month, calling upon
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citizens to honor the often-neglected accomplishments of Black
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Americans in every field of human endeavor, and
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WHEREAS, Florida's rich history includes numerous African
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American leaders whose accomplishments have shaped the state,
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including former Florida State Senator Geraldine F. Thompson,
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who championed historic preservation and African American
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History and Culture; Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, whose visionary
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leadership founded Bethune-Cookman University; former U.S.
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Congresswoman Carrie Pittman Meek, whose tenure in public
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service brought attention to issues such as hospice care and
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fair housing; former Florida State Representative Gwen Cherry, a
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trailblazer for women's rights and civil rights; and Harry T.
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Moore and Harriette V. Moore, courageous civil rights activists
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who gave their lives in pursuit of racial justice and voting
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rights, and
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WHEREAS, in this state, African Americans have shaped
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history, culture, and communities, from the earliest days of
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Fort Mose to modern advancements in all fields of endeavor, and
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WHEREAS, 2026 marks a century since Dr. Carter G. Woodson's
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vision took root, providing an occasion to reflect and educate
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with the stories, leadership, and cultural richness of African
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Americans, NOW, THEREFORE,
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Be It Resolved by the House of Representatives of the State of
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Florida:
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That the Florida House of Representatives commemorates the
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100th anniversary of Black History Month, acknowledges the
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contributions of African Americans to the State of Florida and
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the United States.