SR-12, As Adopted by Senate, February 12, 2009

            Senators Thomas, Clark-Coleman, Clarke, Scott and Hardiman offered the following resolution:

            Senate Resolution No. 12.

            A resolution to proclaim February 8-14, 2009, as NAACP Week in Michigan.

            Whereas, In the summer of 1908, the country was shocked by the account of race riots in Springfield, Illinois, home of Abraham Lincoln; and

            Whereas, On February 12, 1909, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) was born; and

            Whereas, The NAACP was founded on the beliefs embodied in the Constitution of the United States of America, supporting democracy, dignity, and freedom; and

            Whereas, For 100 years, the NAACP has lead social change in America; and

            Whereas, The vision of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People is to ensure a society in which all individuals have equal rights and there is no racial hatred or racial discrimination; and

            Whereas, The NAACP has worked to advance its mission to ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights of all persons and to eliminate racial hatred and racial discrimination; and

            Whereas, Since its inception, the NAACP has fought discrimination in education, the voting booth, the military, public accommodations, employment hiring practices, and many other areas; and

            Whereas, The NAACP is dedicated to the objective of securing full enjoyment of citizenship rights, justice in the courts, and equality of opportunity for all; and

            Whereas, Our nation and state have benefited from the NAACP’s unwavering commitment to civil rights and the vision of a society free of injustice; and

            Whereas, NAACP members in the state of Michigan have been dedicated to upholding these principles of the NAACP and have worked to achieve the objectives of justice and equality for all; and

            Whereas, The Michigan State Conference of NAACP believes that each member is unique and valuable, and knowledge leads to understanding and respect. Everyone benefits from the rich dimensions of diversity in our association, our workplaces, our schools, and our communities; and

            Whereas, Today, NAACP units in the state of Michigan are continuing in their efforts to end discrimination and to ensure equal opportunity for all citizens in their community; and

            Whereas, The state of Michigan and all its citizens have been well served by the dedication to these principles on the part of members of NAACP branches, youth councils, college chapters, and prison chapters, as well as their unwavering commitment to these goals; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate, That we hereby acknowledge and celebrate the 100th anniversary of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and proclaim the week of February 8, 2009, to be NAACP Week in the state of Michigan; and be it further

            Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to the Detroit Branch NAACP with our highest esteem.