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Current Status Bill Number:View additional legislative information at the LPITS web site.4365 Type of Legislation:Concurrent Resolution CR Introducing Body:House Introduced Date:20010904 Primary Sponsor:Miller All Sponsors:Miller Drafted Document Number:l:\council\bills\nbd\11919ac01.doc Date Bill Passed both Bodies:20020110 Subject:Georgetown "Roots and Reconciliation" November 4-17, 2001; Freedom Schooner Amistad, Resolutions History Body Date Action Description Com Leg Involved ______ ________ ______________________________________ _______ ____________ House 20020110 Returned with concurrence Senate 20020110 Adopted Senate 20020110 Introduced, read first time, 10 SI referred to Committee Senate 20020110 Recalled from Committee 10 SI Senate 20020108 Introduced, read first time, 10 SI referred to Committee House 20010904 Introduced, adopted, sent to Senate Versions of This Bill
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.
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