BILL ANALYSIS Ó
ACR 6
Page 1
Date of Hearing: February 2, 2015
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON RULES
Gordon, Richard S., Chair
ACR
6 (Jones-Sawyer) - As Introduced January 5, 2015
SUBJECT: Black History Month
SUMMARY: This bill recognizes February 2015 as Black History
Month, urges all residents to join in celebrating the
accomplishments of African Americans during Black History Month,
and encourages the people of California to recognize the many
talents, achievements, and contributions that African Americans
make to their communities. Specifically, this resolution makes
the following legislative findings:
1. In 1926, Dr. Carter Godwin Woodson founded Negro History
Week, which became Black History Month in 1976, intended to
encourage further research and publishing regarding the
untold stories of African American heritage.
2. The history of African Americans here in the U.S., as well as
throughout the ages, is indeed unique and vibrant, and it is
appropriate to celebrate this history during the month of
February 2015, which has been proclaimed as Black History
Month.
3. There is even greater cause for a reverent celebration in
2015 as Americans reflect on the significance of the 50th
anniversary of the Voters Rights Act, and the 50th
anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery Marches or "Bloody
Sunday."
ACR 6
Page 2
4. From the earliest days of the U.S., the course of its history
has been greatly influenced by Black heroes and pioneers in
many diverse areas, from science, medicine, business, and
education to government, industry, and social leadership.
5. A number of these brave and accomplished individuals, such as
Booker T. Washington, George Washington Carver, Matthew
Hansen, Daniel Hale Williams, Dr. Charles Drew, Jackie
Robinson, Jesse Owens, Curt Flood, Medgar Evers, and, of
course, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., are noted prominently in
the history books of students nationwide, thus enabling them
to learn about the important and lasting contributions of
these individuals.
FISCAL EFFECT: None
REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:
Support
None on file
Opposition
None on file
Analysis Prepared
by: Nicole Willis / RLS. / (916) 319-2800
ACR 6
Page 3