SR 8 (LSB 2341XS (3) 86)

SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 8

BY  BISIGNANO

A Resolution designating February 12, 2015, as Black History Day at the Iowa State Capitol for recognition and celebration by educational and historical groups throughout the state.

   WHEREAS, Black History Month in the United States dates back to 1926, based upon the efforts of Dr. Carter G. Woodson, a Harvard-educated scholar descended from slave parents; and
   WHEREAS, Black History Month is traditionally observed in February of each year; and
   WHEREAS, Black History Month is designated to recognize and pay tribute to many African Americans long neglected by society and the history books; and
   WHEREAS, the Iowa General Assembly has designated a day each February to focus particular attention on Black History Month as recognized and celebrated by educational and historical groups throughout the state; and
   WHEREAS, February 12, 2015, Abraham Lincoln’s birthday, has been selected as the day to observe and recognize Black History Month at the Iowa State Capitol; and
   WHEREAS, as part of Black History Day, the Senate wishes to celebrate and inform all Iowans of the history of the contributions African Americans have made to the Iowa General Assembly, especially those African American members who represent historic firsts and exemplify the ideal of the citizen legislator; and
   WHEREAS, in 1983, Thomas Mann Jr. became the first, and to this day the only, African American to serve in the Iowa General Assembly as a member of the Iowa Senate during the 70th, 71st, 72nd, and 73rd Iowa General Assemblies; and
   WHEREAS, Thomas Mann Jr. personifies the ideals of a citizen legislator, serving on several legislative committees, including as Chairperson of the Judiciary Committee, while also serving as an Iowa Assistant Attorney General and as Executive Director of the Iowa Civil Rights Commission; NOW THEREFORE,

   BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE, That the Senate designates February 12, 2015, as Black History Day at the Iowa State Capitol and encourages all Iowans during the month of February to recognize and celebrate the important contributions African Americans have made to Iowa, especially those African Americans who have served as members of the Iowa General Assembly.