A resolution celebrating Black History Month.
- Bill Number
- S.Res. 99
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Civil Rights and Liberties, Minority Issues
- Status
- Passed Senate
- Latest Action
- 2025-02-26: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S1391; text: CR S1401)
- Last Updated
- 2026-03-03T15:33:42Z
AI-Generated Summary
Summary of S. Res. 99: Celebrating Black History Month
Purpose
This Senate resolution aims to honor Black History Month by recognizing the historical struggles, achievements, and contributions of African Americans to the United States. It emphasizes reflection on the nation's complex history, including injustices like enslavement and segregation, while promoting unity and progress toward ideals of equality and liberty as stated in the Declaration of Independence.
Key Provisions
The resolution includes a series of "Whereas" clauses providing historical context and a "Resolved" section outlining the Senate's positions:
- Historical Context: Highlights the involuntary arrival of Africans in the 17th century, subsequent injustices (e.g., enslavement, lynch mobs, segregation), ongoing inequalities, and the efforts of diverse Americans to advance civil rights. It lists notable African American figures (e.g., Frederick Douglass, Martin Luther King Jr., Harriet Tubman, Barack Obama) and their impacts in fields like politics, arts, sports, and science.
- Origins of Black History Month: Notes the role of Dr. Carter G. Woodson in establishing Negro History Week in 1926, which evolved into Black History Month, as a way to educate about Black heritage and counter narratives of unworthiness.
- Senate Commitments:
- Acknowledges that all Americans benefit from Black cultural history.
- Recognizes Black History Month as a time to reflect on U.S. history with hope for the future.
- Commemorates African American contributions to the nation's development.
- Encourages nationwide celebrations to learn from the past and understand shaping experiences.
- Affirms the need to honor all pioneers and unite the country under principles of liberty and justice for all.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution, not a statute or bill that amends laws. It introduces no legal changes, obligations, or enforceable requirements to existing U.S. law.
Potential Impacts
- On Citizens: Encourages educational and cultural activities during February, fostering greater awareness of African American history among the general public, schools, and communities. It may inspire discussions on equality and reconciliation without direct enforcement.
- On Government Agencies: Minimal direct impact, though it could influence federal programs related to education, museums (e.g., referencing the National Museum of African American History and Culture), or diversity initiatives symbolically.
- On International Relations: Negligible, as it focuses on domestic history; however, it reinforces the U.S. image as a nation striving for inclusivity and democratic ideals.
Overall, the impacts are primarily symbolic and cultural, promoting national reflection rather than policy shifts.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- African Americans: Directly honored for their historical and ongoing contributions; the resolution validates their role in U.S. progress.
- General Public and Educators: Encouraged to participate in Black History Month events, learning about shared history to build unity.
- Historians and Cultural Institutions: Supported through recognition of figures like Dr. Carter G. Woodson and institutions like the Association for the Study of African American Life and History.
- Bipartisan Lawmakers: Sponsored by a diverse group of senators from both parties, indicating broad political support.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal/Constitutional: No binding legal effects, but it echoes constitutional principles like equal protection (14th Amendment) and the Declaration's ideals of equality, reinforcing the U.S. as a nation committed to remedying historical injustices without mandating action.
- Political: Demonstrates bipartisan consensus (over 40 senators as cosponsors), signaling unity on cultural recognition amid national divisions. It highlights progress (e.g., election of Barack Obama) while acknowledging persistent inequalities, potentially influencing public discourse on race and history without partisan bias. As a simple resolution agreed to by the Senate on February 26, 2025, it serves as an official expression of congressional sentiment.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (42)
Sen. Scott, Tim [R-SC], Sen. Warnock, Raphael G. [D-GA], Sen. Cramer, Kevin [R-ND], Sen. Coons, Christopher A. [D-DE], Sen. Wicker, Roger F. [R-MS], Sen. Reed, Jack [D-RI], Sen. Sullivan, Dan [R-AK], Sen. Shaheen, Jeanne [D-NH], Sen. Hyde-Smith, Cindy [R-MS], Sen. Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT], Sen. Tillis, Thomas [R-NC], Sen. Duckworth, Tammy [D-IL], Sen. Britt, Katie Boyd [R-AL], Sen. Blunt Rochester, Lisa [D-DE], Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX], Sen. Heinrich, Martin [D-NM], Sen. Moran, Jerry [R-KS], Sen. Kaine, Tim [D-VA], Sen. Scott, Rick [R-FL], Sen. Lujan, Ben Ray [D-NM], Sen. King, Angus S., Jr. [I-ME], Sen. Hassan, Margaret Wood [D-NH], Sen. Cortez Masto, Catherine [D-NV], Sen. Van Hollen, Chris [D-MD], Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL], Sen. Cantwell, Maria [D-WA], Sen. Klobuchar, Amy [D-MN], Sen. Schatz, Brian [D-HI], Sen. Padilla, Alex [D-CA], Sen. Hickenlooper, John W. [D-CO], Sen. Bennet, Michael F. [D-CO], Sen. Ossoff, Jon [D-GA], Sen. Gillibrand, Kirsten E. [D-NY], Sen. Baldwin, Tammy [D-WI], Sen. Hirono, Mazie K. [D-HI], Sen. Gallego, Ruben [D-AZ], Sen. Warner, Mark R. [D-VA], Sen. Murray, Patty [D-WA], Sen. Wyden, Ron [D-OR], Sen. Schumer, Charles E. [D-NY], Sen. Peters, Gary C. [D-MI], Sen. Alsobrooks, Angela D. [D-MD]
Recent Actions
- 2025-02-26: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S1391; text: CR S1401)
- 2025-02-26: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.
- 2025-02-26: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Celebrating Black History Month. — issued 2025-02-26 — PDF (5 pages)