HR820: HR820 Black Women and Girls Awareness Day; April 8; recognize

25 LC 47 3683 House Resolution 820 By: Representatives Taylor of the 92nd, Hugley of the 141st, Williams of the 168th, Schofield of the 63rd, Scott of the 76th, and others A RESOLUTION Designating April 8 of each year as Black Women and Girls Awareness Day; and for other1 purposes.2 WHEREAS, a mature, diverse, educated population of women and gi rls is necessary for3 Georgia to achieve a bright future. Since 1970, the population of women and girls in Georgia4 has more than doubled, reaching over 5.66 million; and women have taken on an increased5 role in the state's workforce, growing from 40 percent of the t otal workforce in 1970 to6 nearly 60 percent of the total workforce today. Black women an d girls in Georgia are7 dedicated citizens who contribute to this state's vibrant cultu re, thriving economy, and8 neighborly communities; and9 WHEREAS, despite immense progress in recent decades, many Black women and girls still10 face substantial hardships beyond those of other demographics, such as limited educational11 opportunities, economic hardships, and unique healthcare concerns. Despite such hardship,12 Black women and girls continue to demonstrate their commitment to the pursuit and13 successful acquisition of education. Today, approximately 96 p ercent of young Black14 women graduate high school and represent an increasing proporti on of those enrolled in15 postsecondary education. Notably, Georgia is home to Spelman College, which is a college16 H. R. 820 - 1 - 25 LC 47 3683 for women that is ranked No. 1 among all historically Black colleges and universities in the17 nation by U.S. News and World Report; and18 WHEREAS, through the course of their lifetimes, Black women and girls are at a greater risk19 of encountering health challenges including a wide variety of d eadly, yet preventable,20 chronic diseases, including obesity, diabetes, heart disease, a nd high blood pressure. 21 Additionally, Black women and girls are more likely to be the victim of domestic violence22 and sexual assault, indicating that additional protections are necessary to reduce the incidents23 of Black women and girls being killed, made unsafe, or reported missing in our state; and24 WHEREAS, although Black women comprise almost 8 percent of the general population,25 they are especially underrepresented among Science, Technology, Engineering, and26 Mathematics (STEM) degree-holders, making up of all degrees awarded only 4.2 percent of27 biological sciences, 2.8 percent of physical sciences, 2.6 percent of computer sciences, 2.328 percent of mathematics and statistics, and 0.99 percent of engi neering. It is especially29 important to target job creation, introduce high-tech skills tr aining, and increase STEM30 opportunities for Black women in order to reduce long-term unem ployment and31 underemployment; and32 WHEREAS, Black women and girls play a vital role in maintaining Georgia's No. 2 ranking33 for growth of women-owned firms, as well as the state's status of having the fifth most firms34 owned by women. Approximately 39.1 percent of all Black-owned businesses across the35 United States are run by women which is significantly higher th an the 22.3 percent of all36 businesses run by women in general across the United States. Additionally, Black women37 in Georgia have the highest labor force participation rates amongst all demographics; and38 H. R. 820 - 2 - 25 LC 47 3683 WHEREAS, the House of Representatives recognizes the trials and successes of Black39 women and girls and the impact they make across our state every day and supports their40 continued success.41 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that42 the members of this body designate April 8 of each year as Blac k Women and Girls43 Awareness Day.44 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized45 and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution avai lable for distribution to the46 public and the press.47 H. R. 820 - 3 -