House Resolution 78

A RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING THE YEAR 2006 AS "AFRICAN-AMERICAN HISTORY YEAR" IN MISSISSIPPI.

WHEREAS, the Legislature of the State of Mississippi recognizes the significant contributions and accomplishments of African Americans throughout the State of Mississippi and this nation; and

WHEREAS, in recognition of these advancements, the year 2006 is recognized as African-American History Year in Mississippi, in honor of great Mississippians such as former State Senator Henry J. Kirksey and former Scott County Supervisor Monzell Stowers, for leading the way to implement the 1965 Voting Rights Act in Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, in addition to working throughout Mississippi, Monzell Stowers worked diligently in Scott County, Mississippi, with former Scott County NAACP President, Westley L. Odom, to be forerunners in Scott County to implement the 1965 Voting Rights Act; and

WHEREAS, in an effort to promote 75 plus years of progress, the acknowledgement of 2006 as African-American History Year serves as a catalyst for making life better for those who are here as well as for those yet to come; and

WHEREAS, recognition of African-American History Year will help pay tribute to those extraordinary men and women who fought for what they believed and stared injustices toward mankind directly in the eye, and remind us of the bravery, courage and commitment to equality for all:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby recognize the year 2006 as African-American History Year in Mississippi, and encourage our citizens to learn more about the history and contributions of prominent African-American activists, who proved critical to changing the civic, social and political climate in Mississippi.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Civic Resource Center, Inc., the Mississippi Branch of the NAACP and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.