BILL ANALYSIS Ó ----------------------------------------------------------------- |SENATE RULES COMMITTEE | SR 11| |Office of Senate Floor Analyses | | |(916) 651-1520 Fax: (916) | | |327-4478 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------- THIRD READING Bill No: SR 11 Author: Hall (D) Introduced:1/27/15 Vote: Majority SUBJECT: Black History Month SOURCE: Author DIGEST: This resolution recognizes February 2015 as Black History Month, urges all citizens 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. ANALYSIS: This resolution makes the following legislative findings: 1.Dr. Carter Godwin Woodson, distinguished African American author, editor, publisher, and historian, who is known as the "Father of Black History," founded Negro History Week in 1926, 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 United States, 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 National Black History Month. SR 11 Page 2 3.There is even greater cause for a reverent celebration in 2015 as Americans reflect on the significance of the 50th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act, and the 50th anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery Marches or "Bloody Sunday". 4.From the earliest days of the United States, 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. 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. 5.Among those Americans who have enriched our society are the members of the African American community-individuals who have been steadfast in their commitment to promoting brotherhood, equality, and justice for all. This resolution recognizes February 2015 as Black History Month, urges all citizens 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. FISCAL EFFECT: Fiscal Com.: No Prepared by:Melissa Ward / SFA / (916) 651-1520 2/6/15 13:09:34 SUPPORT/OPPOSITION: NONE RECEIVED SR 11 Page 3