WHEREAS, Citizens of the United States have recognized black history since 1926, first as "Negro History Week" and then as "Black History Month”; and
WHEREAS, The celebration of Black History Month, and more importantly, the study of African American history can trace its roots to one Dr. Carter G. Woodson; and
WHEREAS, He Harvard trained Dr. Woodson realizing the distortion and lack of documentation of blacks in the annals of history decided that he would dedicate his life to correcting the record as well as filling the void; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Woodson established the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (now called the Association for the Study of Afro-American Life and History) in 1915, and a year later founded the widely respected Journal of Negro History in an effort to ensure that Black Americans held their proper place in American history; and
WHEREAS, Since its founding by Dr. Woodson, the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) has a strong track record of promoting African American history throughout the nation; and
WHEREAS, The mission of the ASALH is to promote, research, preserve, interpret, and disseminate information about Black life, history and culture to the global community; and
WHEREAS, Now in its 88th year the ASALH can list a number of activities and promotions that point to the fact that they are succeeding in their mission, not the least of which is the work they do with teachers, community groups, and government leaders to ensure that the vision of Dr. Woodson is indeed realized; and
WHEREAS, In Philadelphia we have our very own chapter of the ASALH which does tremendous work in the promotion of African American history and culture; now therefore
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby honor the Association for the Study of African American Life and History on the occasion of Black History Month.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the Philadelphia Chapter of ASALH for their hard work and efforts in the promotion of Black history, as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.
End