H 5211

South Carolina General Assembly
126th Session, 2025-2026
Bill 5211
Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter
(Text matches printed bills. Document has been reformatted to meet World Wide Web specifications.)
A house RESOLUTION
to honor Richland school district two for formally
recognizing february 2026 as the centennial celebration of black history month AND
TO commend the district for its century-long excellence in education.
Whereas, the history
and contributions of African Americans in this country have been celebrated
since February 1926. Begun as Negro History Week by noted historian Carter G.
Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, the
celebration was strategically set for the second week to coincide with the
birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, both central figures to
Black freedom; and
Whereas, the national theme
for 2026, "A Century of Black History Commemorations" is a testament to
Woodson's vision. Widely regarded as the father of Black history, Woodson saw
the week as a far-reaching, organized, and sustained movement that would
reshape how Black Americans viewed themselves and how they were viewed by the
world; and
Whereas, the first
celebration began February 7, 1926, and quickly gained popularity, encouraging
schools and communities to participate in studying the African American
experience. Through Woodson's leadership, Negro History Week evolved into a
significant African American and American cultural institution, with annual
themes and educational materials highlighting the profound contributions of
people of African descent to history and modern culture; and
Whereas, in 1976,
Gerald R. Ford became the first president of the United States to issue an
official message recognizing Black History Month during the nation's bicentennial
celebration. In 1986, the United States Congress enacted Public Law 99-244,
officially designating the month of February as Black History Month; and
Whereas, each February,
Black History Month is observed in schools throughout the nation, in cultural
heritage sites, public spaces, workplaces, houses of worship, and homes across
the United States and around the world; and
Whereas, in the
Palmetto State, Richland School District Two proudly celebrates one hundred
years of excellence in education, commemorating a century of learning,
leadership, and legacy that has shaped generations of students and strengthened
the community. For a century, the district has cultivated leaders, innovators,
and changemakers whose impact extends far beyond the district's boundaries and
into mainstream America; and
Whereas, Richland
School District Two will host its Annual Black History Month Student Wax Museum
and Honoree Recognition Program on Monday, February 23, 2026. The program will observe
the centennial celebration of national Black history and the district's one-hundred-year
legacy of educational excellence; and
Whereas, the members of
the South Carolina House of Representatives commend Richland School District
Two for its celebration of Black history and the district's centennial year
celebrating and reaffirming its commitment to educational excellence, and cultural
awareness of African Americans to the Palmetto State, the nation, and the
world.  Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
That the members of the
South Carolina House of Representatives,
by this resolution, honor Richland School District Two for formally recognizing
February 2026 as the centennial celebration of Black History Month and commend
the district for its century-long excellence in education.
Be it further resolved
that a copy of this resolution be presented to Richland School District Two.
----XX----
This web page was last updated on February 19, 2026 at 11:08 AM