45th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2001

RECOGNIZING MARCH 9, 2001 AS "ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA DAY AT THE LEGISLATURE".

WHEREAS, African Americans have contributed mightily to the history of New Mexico, dating back to the sixteenth century when Estevan the Moor, a native of north Africa, became the first person of Old World blood to set foot in what is now New Mexico; and

WHEREAS, it is especially important for African American New Mexicans to exercise the political rights that were not available to their African American ancestors; and

WHEREAS, New Mexico's African American population, while just about three percent of the total population, is the population of New Mexico that truly helps make New Mexico a "multicultural" state; and

WHEREAS, African American contributions to New Mexico can be increased and enhanced through greater support for youth programs, student tutoring programs, job training and employment programs and civic awareness programs; and

WHEREAS, Alpha Kappa Alpha works to enhance the political standing of African Americans across the country, ensuring that African Americans' voting rights are protected, that their numbers are accurately counted in the census and that policymakers in city halls, state capitols and in Washington, D.C. know that African Americans care about the important policy issues of the day;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the great accomplishments of African Americans in New Mexico be recognized, that the efforts of Alpha Kappa Alpha be appreciated and that March 9, 2001 be recognized as "Alpha Kappa Alpha Day at the Legislature"; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the New Mexico chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha.