[Congressional Bills 108th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Con. Res. 59 Introduced in House (IH)]






108th CONGRESS
  1st Session
H. CON. RES. 59

 Recognizes the significant achievements and contributions of African-
American scientists, mathematicians, and inventors, and supporting the 
   establishment of a special day on which these great minds may be 
                         honored and esteemed.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                           February 27, 2003

Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson of Texas (for herself, Mr. Towns, Mr. Jackson 
 of Illinois, Mr. Conyers, Ms. Carson of Indiana, Mr. Frost, Mr. Wynn, 
 Ms. Jackson-Lee of Texas, Mr. Meek of Florida, Mr. Brown of Ohio, Mr. 
  Payne, Mr. Fattah, Ms. Lee, Mr. Rush, Ms. Norton, Mr. Cummings, Mr. 
 Jefferson, Ms. Kilpatrick, Ms. Corrine Brown of Florida, Mr. Clyburn, 
Mr. Ballance, Mrs. Christensen, Mr. Clay, Mr. Grijalva, Mr. Owens, Mr. 
  Rangel, Mr. Davis of Illinois, Mrs. Jones of Ohio, Mr. Meeks of New 
 York, Ms. Millender-McDonald, Ms. Watson, Ms. Majette, Mr. Bishop of 
Georgia, Mr. Scott of Virginia, Mr. Hastings of Florida, Mr. McDermott, 
and Mr. Watt) submitted the following concurrent resolution; which was 
                  referred to the Committee on Science

_______________________________________________________________________

                         CONCURRENT RESOLUTION


 
 Recognizes the significant achievements and contributions of African-
American scientists, mathematicians, and inventors, and supporting the 
   establishment of a special day on which these great minds may be 
                         honored and esteemed.

Whereas the historical experience of Americans of African descent began more 
        than 5,000 years B.C.E., with notable scientists, mathematicians, and 
        inventors such as Imhotep, who is recognized by contempory historians as 
        the first architect, a pioneer in mathematics, an eminent sage and 
        patron of scribes, a respected leader among early Egyptian and Greek 
        civilizations, builder of the first pyramid, and the physician upon 
        whose knowledge and teachings about human anatomy and the functions of 
        the major organs modern medicine rests;
Whereas African-Americans have earned an undeniable role in the development of 
        the culture of this Nation, contributing major inventions and scientific 
        discoveries, among other things, that enrich the quality of life for all 
        mankind;
Whereas the scientific and technological contributions of African-Americans to 
        the world are largely absent from history books;
Whereas the ethos of this rich and proud people, descendants of kings and 
        queens, has been passed down to generations through whispered tales by a 
        remnant of African-American ancestors who understood the relationship 
        between honor, respect, and appreciation of heritage and culture, and 
        the vision and success of future generations;
Whereas it is with this spirit that we recognize and celebrate the creative 
        genius and contributions of Annie Easley, Sharon J. Barnes, Thomas L. 
        Jennings, Dr. Benjamin S. Carson, David Blackwell, David N. Crosthwait, 
        Elijah McCoy, Clarence A. Ellis, Phillip Emeagwali, Charles R. Drew, 
        Sarah E. Goode, Granville T. Woods, Lewis H. Latimer, Meredith C. 
        Gourdine, Ernest E. Just, Evelyn Boyd Granville, Norbert Rillieux, Mae 
        C. Jemison, George Carruthers, Garret A. Morgan, J. Ernest Wilkins, 
        Sarah Boone, and numerous other African-Americans whose great 
        achievements evidence a vast pool of untapped intellect;
Whereas education has been the social, economic, and political gatekeeper for 
        African-Americans, and will become increasingly so for students of color 
        desiring to participate fully in the scientific and technological 
        innovations of the new millennium;
Whereas although progress has been made in the educational attainment of 
        African-Americans, they remain less likely than whites and Asians to 
        graduate from high school, enroll in college, graduate from college, and 
        pursue graduate and professional degrees;
Whereas African-Americans represent approximately 12 percent of the population 
        in the United States, but only 3 percent of the total science and 
        engineering labor force, less than 1 percent of scientists and 
        engineers, 2 percent of doctoral scientists and engineers, and 1 quarter 
        of 1 percent of computer scientists;
Whereas if the declining number and percentage of African-American high school 
        and college students choosing careers that require undergraduate and 
        advanced degrees in science and mathematics continues unabated, the 
        serious shortage of African-American scientists, mathematicians, 
        physicians, computer scientists, and inventors would cause serious harm 
        to the Nation's leadership in scientific research;
Whereas the dreams and aspirations of too many African-American youth have 
        withered and must be revitalized with the message that they descend from 
        a proud and noble people who expected and settled for nothing less than 
        excellence in every endeavor, and whose greatness has left an indelible 
        mark on the world;
Whereas it is vital that the citizens of this Nation, especially young African-
        Americans, realize and appreciate the important contributions of their 
        ancestors and contemporaries to past and present society; and
Whereas to fulfill the Nation's commitment to equal opportunity and prosperity 
        for every citizen, it is imperative that African-American youth and 
        people of all races and ages realize that the fields of science, 
        mathematics, engineering, and technology are available and accessible to 
        everyone: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), 
That Congress acknowledges and recognizes the significant achievements 
and contributions of African-American scientists, mathematicians, and 
inventors, and supports the establishment of a special day on which 
these great minds may be honored and esteemed.
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