H*4365 Concurrent Resolution, By Miller
 A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION DECLARING NOVEMBER 4 THROUGH 17, 2001, AS A PERIOD OF
 "ROOTS AND RECONCILIATION" IN GEORGETOWN, SOUTH CAROLINA, WHILE THE "FREEDOM
 SCHOONER AMISTAD", A REPLICA OF THE HISTORIC SHIP, DOCKS IN GEORGETOWN
 CREATING A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY FOR TEACHING HISTORICAL, CULTURAL, AND SOCIAL
 LESSONS AND FOR ENCOURAGING AND PROMOTING RACIAL DIALOGUE AND HARMONY.

   09/04/01  House  Introduced, adopted, sent to Senate HJ-6
   01/08/02  Senate Introduced SJ-47
   01/08/02  Senate Referred to Committee on Invitations SJ-47
   01/10/02  Senate Recalled from Committee on Invitations SJ-10
   01/10/02  Senate Adopted, returned to House with concurrence SJ-10

DECLARING NOVEMBER 4 THROUGH 17, 2001, AS A PERIOD OF "ROOTS AND RECONCILIATION" IN GEORGETOWN, SOUTH CAROLINA, WHILE THE "FREEDOM SCHOONER AMISTAD", A REPLICA OF THE HISTORIC SHIP, DOCKS IN GEORGETOWN CREATING A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY FOR TEACHING HISTORICAL, CULTURAL, AND SOCIAL LESSONS AND FOR ENCOURAGING AND PROMOTING RACIAL DIALOGUE AND HARMONY.

Whereas, the "Freedom Schooner Amistad", a replica of the schooner which was the scene of an historic event in 1839, will be docked in Georgetown, South Carolina from November 4 though 17, 2001; and

Whereas, the original schooner, "Amistad", Spanish for "friendship", was the site of a shipboard rebellion in 1839 off the coast of Cuba by fifty-three African men, women, and children who had been illegally sold into slavery; and

Whereas, following the mutiny the ship sailed up the Atlantic Coast where it was seized and towed to Connecticut where the Africans were imprisoned and tried for murder; and

Whereas, the Africans eventually won their freedom after John Quincy Adams argued their case before the United States Supreme Court, resulting in a landmark case, the first civil rights decision of the Supreme Court; and

Whereas, the Africans returned to their homeland of Sierra Leone, especially meaningful to Georgetown and this event in that many African American residents in the area trace their heritage to Sierra Leone; and

Whereas, the "Freedom Schooner Amistad" is not only a symbol of freedom, but it also represents an important episode in American history that teaches lessons of perseverance, justice, and equality while serving as a spring board for racial dialogue and communication; and

Whereas, creating this opportunity for "Roots and Reconciliation" demonstrates a genuine commitment to face issues of the past and a strong desire to move towards reconciliation and healing today and in the future; and

Whereas, the leaders of Georgetown and President Ron Ingle and the administration at Coastal Carolina University are to be commended for establishing this unique experience for the residents of Georgetown and all of South Carolina; and

Whereas, having the "Amistad" in port at the Georgetown dock is a truly mementos occasion and one to be honored and celebrated by all. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:

That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, declare November 4 through 17, 2001, as a period of "Roots and Reconciliation" in Georgetown, South Carolina, while the "Freedom Schooner Amistad", a replica of the historic ship, docks in Georgetown creating a unique opportunity for teaching historical, cultural, and social lessons and for encouraging and promoting racial dialogue and harmony.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to Ron Ingle, President of Coastal Carolina University.