III 109th CONGRESS 1st Session S. RES. 83 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES March 16, 2005 Mr. Santorum (for himself, Mrs. Hutchison, Mr. Kennedy, Mr. Martinez, Mr. Levin, and Mr. Lugar) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary RESOLUTION Commemorating the 65th Anniversary of the Black Press of America.

Whereas on February 29, 1940, the Black Press of America gathered for the first time in Chicago, Illinois; Whereas the Black Press of America joins together over 200 African-American community newspapers from across the United States; Whereas the African-American press has profoundly influenced the fight for the rights of African-Americans; Whereas African-American newspapers articulated the ideals of freedom and equality during those times in the history of the United States when the country failed to honor its commitment to the founding principles of the Nation; Whereas the African-American press has fostered pride, solidarity, and self-reliance within the African-American community; Whereas the African-American press has had a profound influence on the rise of opinion, leadership, and group action among African-Americans; Whereas the African-American press has operated as an instrument of social change for decades as it has protested inequality and spotlighted the achievements of African-Americans; Whereas African-American newspapers continue to broaden the social discourse surrounding the struggle of today’s African-Americans for equal opportunity; and Whereas commemorating the Black Press of America acknowledges the significant role all African-American newspapers have played in the history of the United States: Now, therefore, be it

That the Senate commemorates the 65th Anniversary of the Black Press of America by recognizing— (1)the significant contributions all African-American newspapers have made from the time of slavery and segregation to today; and (2)the continued contributions African-American newspapers make to the ideal of equal opportunity for all Americans.