BILL ANALYSIS                                                                                                                                                                                                    Ó



                                                                  HR 22
                                                                  Page  1

          Date of Hearing:   February 17, 2012

                             ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON RULES
                                Nancy Skinner, Chair
             HR 22 (Mitchell, et al.) - As Introduced:  February 9, 2012
                             (As proposed to be amended)
           
          SUBJECT  :   Black History Month.

           SUMMARY  :   Recognizes February 2012 as Black History Month, 
          urges all residents to join in celebrating the accomplishments 
          of African Americans during Black History Month, and encourages 
          Californians to recognize the talents, achievements, and 
          contributions that African Americans make to their communities.  
            Specifically,  this resolution  makes the following legislative 
          findings:  

          1)Dr. Carter Godwin Woodson, distinguished African American 
            author, editor, publisher, and historian founded what is now 
            known as Black History Month; and he intended to encourage 
            further research, publishing and celebrations regarding the 
            untold stories of African American heritage.

          2)Although the institutions of slavery and racial segregation 
            forced early African American culture to develop independently 
            of mainstream American culture, today African American culture 
            has become a significant part of this country's culture; and 
            African American art has made vital contributions to the art 
            history of the United States.

          3)The history of the United States is rich with inspirational 
            stories of great men and women who have contributed to the 
            success and prosperity of the United States; and, among those 
            Americans are members of the African American community - 
            individuals who have been steadfast in their commitment to 
            promoting brotherhood, equality, and justice for all.

          4)It is appropriate to celebrate the unique and vibrant history 
            of African Americans during the month of February 2012, which 
            has been proclaimed as Black History Month.

           FISCAL EFFECT  :   None.

           COMMENTS  :   Black History Month is recognized annually by the 
          Legislature.  This measure is nearly identical to last year's 







                                                                  HR 22
                                                                  Page  2

          SCR 4 (Price/Wright) which was unanimously adopted in the house 
          of origin and recognizes the contribution of African American 
          artists, among other prominent individuals, to American culture 
          and history.

          The committee recommends adopting the proposed amendment to 
          correct the name spelling of  explorer, Matthew Henson.  

           REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION  :   

           Support 
           
          None on file.

           Opposition 
           
          None on file.
           
          Analysis Prepared by  :    Anna McCabe / RLS. / (916) 319-2800