Current Status Bill Number:1008 Type of Legislation:Concurrent Resolution CR Introducing Body:Senate Introduced Date:19960110 Primary Sponsor:Jackson All Sponsors:Jackson Drafted Document Number:res9764.dj Residing Body:Senate Current Committee:Invitations Committee 10 SI Subject:Racial Harmony, 1996 designated year of
Body Date Action Description Com Leg Involved ______ ________ _______________________________________ _______ ____________ Senate 19960110 Introduced, referred to Committee 10 SIView additional legislative information at the LPITS web site.
TO DESIGNATE THE YEAR 1996 AS THE "YEAR OF RACIAL HARMONY" IN SOUTH CAROLINA.
Whereas, on June 20, 1995, the 1995 Southern Baptist Convention adopted a resolution apologizing for its past support of slavery and
racial discrimination; and
Whereas, this historic resolution was adopted during the 150th anniversary of the Southern Baptist Convention; and
Whereas, the Southern Baptist Convention reportedly has more than 15 million members nationwide, making it the nation's largest Protestant religious denomination; and
Whereas, the South Carolina affiliate of the Southern Baptist Convention, the South Carolina Baptist Convention, has 1,866 member churches, with approximately 725,000 church members, making it the state's largest religious denomination; and
Whereas, the Southern Baptist resolution is symbolic of the kinds of actions which should be periodically taken to perpetuate the healing of past wounds and to promote present and future racial harmony; and
Whereas, the Southern Baptist resolution encourages a spirit of unity in society rather a spirit of division in society; and
Whereas, it is fitting that the Southern Baptist resolution serve as the impetus for a statewide rededication and recommitment to the principle of racial harmony. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the Senate, the House of Representatives concurring:
That the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina hereby endorses the resolution adopted by the 1995 Southern Baptist Convention apologizing for the past support of slavery and racially discriminatory policies and practices.
Be it further resolved that the year 1996 is designated as the Year of Racial Harmony in South Carolina.
Be it further resolved that a Legislative Task Force on Racial Harmony is created for the purpose of planning, organizing, and coordinating events and activities throughout the state commemorating the Year of Racial Harmony.
Be it further resolved that the Task Force must consist of four members appointed by the President Pro Tempore; four members appointed by the Speaker; and two members appointed by the Governor.
Be it further resolved that the Task Force shall elect a chairperson from among its membership.