California Legislature recognizes Black Girl Joy Day and HBCU Week
Bo Tefu and Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media
During the California Assembly session on August 12, members of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) joined his colleagues in the legislature to approve statewide recognition of Black Girl Joy Day last week and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) Week next month.
Simultaneous decision-making by the Assembly (ACR) 226, Introduced by Rep. Lori D. Wilson (D-Suisun City), August 10 was officially declared Black Girl Joy Day in California.
“This day is not only a cause for celebration, but also a deep recognition of the important role black girls play in enriching the diversity of our state,” Wilson said.
“Black girls in California embody resilience, creativity and potential despite facing systemic challenges from a young age, including higher rates of school discipline and exposure to violence, and continue to make significant contributions in a variety of fields,” Wilson added.
The assembly voted 75-0 to recognize Black Girl Joy Day in California.
During the same session, the Assembly adopted Simultaneous decision-making by the Assembly (ACR) 222 with 76 votes to 0.
Bill ACR 222, introduced by Representative Akilah Weber (D-La Mesa), officially declared the fourth week of September as Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week in California.
“For centuries, blacks were not allowed to attend American colleges – not because we weren’t smart enough, but because of racism and segregation. So we started our own colleges,” said Weber, who represented her alma mater, Xavier University, in a white and gold varsity jacket.
Weber pointed out that while HBCUs make up only 3% of the country’s higher education institutions, they produce 24% of black STEM professionals.
Rep. Reggie Jones-Sawyer (D-Los Angeles) spoke about his experiences as a proud father of Morehouse and Hampton School graduates.
Rep. Tina McKinnor (D-Inglewood) shared her perspective as the daughter of a Prairie View A&M graduate. Her mother moved from Texas to Los Angeles, where she was born.
“In September 2023, President Biden proclaimed September 24th up to 30th declared National HBCU Week, Weber continued. “In an effort to join what has already been done at the federal level, I respectfully request your yes vote on ACR 222 to declare the fourth week of September as HBCU Week.
