Bill > HJR0811

This resolution, a formal expression of opinion by the Tennessee House of Representatives and Senate, commemorates the 100th anniversary of Black History Month in February 2026, recognizing the significant achievements, resilience, and contributions of African Americans to the state and nation. It acknowledges the origins of Black History Month, which began in 1926 as Negro History Week established by historian Dr. Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, and its expansion to a monthlong observance in 1976. The resolution highlights Tennessee's own history of celebrating Black History Month and honors influential figures from the state, including journalist Ida B. Wells-Barnett, surgeon Dr. Dorothy Lavinia Brown, former legislator Lois M. DeBerry, and Leader Karen D. Camper, the first African American and Black woman to lead a major political party caucus in the Tennessee General Assembly. It also recognizes the vital role of Tennessee's Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and cultural institutions like the Beck Cultural Exchange Center and the Highlander Folk School in preserving heritage and fostering civil rights leadership, as well as the impact of Tennessee native Alex Haley's literary works. Finally, the resolution encourages communities, schools, and cultural institutions across Tennessee to mark this centennial year with educational and cultural programming and directs that copies of the resolution be sent to various historical and educational organizations.