[Congressional Bills 110th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 198 Engrossed in House (EH)]


                In the House of Representatives, U. S.,

                                                        March 12, 2007.
Whereas the first African Americans were brought forcibly to the shores of 
        America as early as the 17th century;
Whereas African Americans were enslaved in the United States and subsequently 
        faced the injustices of lynch mobs, segregation, and denial of basic, 
        fundamental rights;
Whereas despite this enslavement, early Black Americans made significant 
        contributions to the economic, educational, political, artistic, 
        literary, religious, scientific, and technological advancement of the 
        United States;
Whereas in the face of these injustices, United States citizens of all races 
        distinguished themselves in their commitment to ideals of which the 
        United States was founded and fought for the rights and freedom of 
        African Americans;
Whereas the United States was conceived, as stated in the Declaration of 
        Independence, as a new country dedicated to the proposition that ``all 
        Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with 
        certain inalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the 
        Pursuit of Happiness'';
Whereas since its founding, the United States has been an imperfect work in 
        making progress towards those noble goals;
Whereas the history of the United States is the story of a people regularly 
        affirming high ideals, striving to reach them but often failing, and 
        then struggling to come to terms with the disappointment of that failure 
        before committing themselves to trying again; and
Whereas the month of February is officially celebrated as Black History Month, 
        which dates back to 1926, when Dr. Carter G. Woodson set aside a special 
        period of time in February to recognize the heritage and achievement of 
        Black Americans: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved,  That the House of Representatives--
            (1) recognizes the significance of Black History Month as an 
        important time to recognize the contributions of Black Americans in the 
        Nation's history, and encourages the continued celebration of this month 
        to provide an opportunity for all people of the United States to learn 
        more about the past and to better understand the experiences that have 
        shaped the Nation; and
            (2) affirms that--
                    (A) the contributions of Black Americans are a significant 
                part of the history, progress, and heritage of the United 
                States; and
                    (B) the ethnic and racial diversity of the United States 
                enriches and strengthens the Nation.
            Attest:

                                                                          Clerk.