SENATE RESOLUTION 12

(By Senators Palumbo, Trump, Stollings, Beach, and Cline)

[Introduced January 22, 2018 ]

Designating January 22, 2018, as Women’s and Girls’ Day at the Legislature.

Whereas, March is Women’s History Month, where we commemorate and encourage the study, observance, and celebration of the vital role of women in American history; and

Whereas, West Virginia women of every race, class, and ethnic background have made historic contributions to the growth and strength of our state and nation in countless recorded and unrecorded ways; and

Whereas, Their perseverance in promoting equality amongst opportunity have paved the way for women to serve in leadership roles within distinct professions; and

Whereas, Throughout our state’s history, West Virginia women have had a profound impact not only in West Virginia, but throughout our nation and the world; and

Whereas, Such instances include Minnie Buckingham Harper, of McDowell County, West Virginia, who became the first African-American woman to serve in a legislative body in the United States with her appointment to the West Virginia House of Delegates on January 10, 1928; and

Whereas, Mary Lou Retton, of Fairmont, West Virginia, was the first American woman to win the All-Around Gold Medal at the Olympics, making her one of the most popular athletes in the United States; and

Whereas, Katherine Johnson, an alumna of West Virginia State University, was deemed a “pioneer” in American space history. As an African-American mathematician, her contributions to NASA influenced every major space program; and

Whereas, These historical instances have set the tone for success for which future generations of West Virginia women can aspire; and

Whereas, West Virginia citizens are proud of the accomplishments and achievements of women in our state, both in the private and public sectors and appreciates their many contributions to our communities as they continue to advance in leadership roles in our society; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate:

That the Senate hereby designates January 22, 2018, as Women’s and Girls’ Day at the Legislature; and, be it

            Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the appropriate representatives of Women’s and Girls’ Day at the Legislature.