House Concurrent Resolution 2

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE UNITED STATES SENATE FOR PASSING THE ANTI-LYNCHING RESOLUTION.

WHEREAS, as people of decency, integrity and honor should condemn lynching that was performed due to racial and religious prejudice; and

WHEREAS, lynching stemmed from racial and religious persecution; and

WHEREAS, the great State of Mississippi agrees with the United States Senate anti-lynching resolution; and

WHEREAS, at least 4,742 people, predominantly African Americans, were reported lynched in the United States between 1882 and 1968; and

WHEREAS, the act occurred throughout the United States until the middle of the twentieth century, with documented incidents in all but four states; and

WHEREAS, 99% of all perpetrators escaped from punishment by state or local officials; and

WHEREAS, nearly 200 anti-lynching bills were introduced in Congress during the first half of the twentieth century, between 1890 and 1952, seven presidents petitioned Congress to end lynching, and between 1920 and 1940, the House of Representatives passed three strong anti-lynching measures; and

WHEREAS, only by coming to terms with history can the United States effectively champion human rights abroad; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do commend and express appreciation to the United States Senate for passing the anti-lynching resolution.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to any member of Congress, any United States citizen and to the Capitol Press Corps.