Res. No. 694
Title
Resolution to support the National Trust for Historical Preservation in its efforts to preserve the home of Carter G. Woodson, one of our country's most illustrious African-Americans.
Body
By Council Members Barron, Boyland, Clarke, Comrie, Felder, Jackson, Lopez, Nelson, Perkins, Rivera, Sanders, Seabrook, Stewart and Vann
Whereas, February, being Black History month, is a time when we proudly
celebrate and extol the rich and varied contributions that individuals of African lineage
have made to our nation; it is a time when we remember with special gratitude the gifts
that members of the black community have made to all aspects of our national life; and
Whereas, The idea for an observance honoring the accomplishments of African-
Americans led to the establishment of Negro History Week in 1926 and was the
brainchild of Carter G. Woodson, a distinguished black historian and scholar known as
the 'Father of Black History'; and
Whereas, The life of Carter G. Woodson is a lesson in perseverance and
exemplifies the human spirit of accomplishment: in 1912, Mr. Woodson, the son of
former slaves and a native of Virginia, became just the second African-American to earn
a Ph.D in History from Harvard University; and
Whereas, In 1915, Carter Woodson founded the Association for the Study of
Negro Life and History-now the Association for the Study of African-American Life and
History (ASALH)-which he used as a scholarly vehicle to promote both the study and
the legitimacy of African American history; in 1916, Mr. Woodson created The Journal of
Negro History (which later became the Journal of African American History); and
Whereas, Recognizing its national significance in African American cultural
heritage, The Carter G. Woodson Home was designated a National Historic Landmark
on May 11, 1976; and
Whereas, Since then, the Woodson Home has been vacant for several years and
is in great need of repair, so much so that the National Trust for Historic Preservation
has placed it on a list of most endangered sites, and Congress recently passed
legislation to "authorize the Secretary of the Interior to study the suitability and
possibility of designating the Carter G. Woodson Home as a National Historic Site in the
District of Columbia; and
Whereas, Carter G. Woodson was a man whose noble and noteworthy efforts
helped enlighten and educate others about the significant contributions African
Americans have made to the United States and the world; and
Whereas, The Carter G. Woodson Home not only a significant part of Mr.
Woodson's legacy but also plays an important historic role in our national, educational
and cultural heritage; it is vital that we do everything within our power to ensure that it is
preserved for future generations; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York supports the National Historic
Preservation in its effort to preserve the home of Carter G. Woodson.
WA
LS#2029
D-Res. #
2/4/03
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