MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2005 3rd Extraordinary Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Williamson, Walls, Turner, Thomas, Dawkins, Lee (47th), Jordan, Simmons, Horhn, Harden

Senate Concurrent Resolution 517

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE UNITED STATES SENATE FOR PASSING THE RESOLUTION APOLOGIZING TO THE VICTIMS OF LYNCHING AND THEIR DESCENDANTS.

     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

     WHEREAS, an apology offered in the spirit of true repentance moves the United States toward reconciliation and may become central to a new understanding, on which improved racial relations can be forged:

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do commend and express appreciation to the United States Senate for passing Senate Resolution 39, which apologized to the victims of lynching and their descendants for the failure of the Senate to enact anti-lynching legislation.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be forwarded by the Secretary of the Senate and the Clerk of the House to Senator Thad Cochran and Senator Trent Lott, be forwarded to other members of the Mississippi congressional delegation and be made available to members of the Capitol Press Corps.