[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 32 (Wednesday, March 16, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Page S2860]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS

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 SENATE RESOLUTION 83--COMMEMORATING THE 65TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BLACK 
                            PRESS OF AMERICA

  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:

                               S. Res. 83

       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
       Resolved, 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.

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