HR 820: Black Women and Girls Awareness Day; April 8; recognize

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 other purposes.

WHEREAS, a mature, diverse, educated population of women and girls is necessary for Georgia to achieve a bright future. Since 1970, the population of women and girls in Georgia has more than doubled, reaching over 5.66 million; and women have taken on an increased role in the state's workforce, growing from 40 percent of the total workforce in 1970 to nearly 60 percent of the total workforce today. Black women and girls in Georgia are dedicated citizens who contribute to this state's vibrant culture, thriving economy, and neighborly communities; and

WHEREAS, despite immense progress in recent decades, many Black women and girls still face substantial hardships beyond those of other demographics, such as limited educational opportunities, economic hardships, and unique healthcare concerns. Despite such hardship, Black women and girls continue to demonstrate their commitment to the pursuit and successful acquisition of education. Today, approximately 96 percent of young Black women graduate high school and represent an increasing proportion of those enrolled in postsecondary education. Notably, Georgia is home to Spelman College, which is a college for women that is ranked No. 1 among all historically Black colleges and universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report; and

WHEREAS, through the course of their lifetimes, Black women and girls are at a greater risk of encountering health challenges including a wide variety of deadly, yet preventable, chronic diseases, including obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure. Additionally, Black women and girls are more likely to be the victim of domestic violence and sexual assault, indicating that additional protections are necessary to reduce the incidents of Black women and girls being killed, made unsafe, or reported missing in our state; and

WHEREAS, although Black women comprise almost 8 percent of the general population, they are especially underrepresented among Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) degree-holders, making up of all degrees awarded only 4.2 percent of biological sciences, 2.8 percent of physical sciences, 2.6 percent of computer sciences, 2.3 percent of mathematics and statistics, and 0.99 percent of engineering. It is especially important to target job creation, introduce high-tech skills training, and increase STEM opportunities for Black women in order to reduce long-term unemployment and underemployment; and

WHEREAS, Black women and girls play a vital role in maintaining Georgia's No. 2 ranking for growth of women-owned firms, as well as the state's status of having the fifth most firms owned by women. Approximately 39.1 percent of all Black-owned businesses across the United States are run by women which is significantly higher than the 22.3 percent of all businesses run by women in general across the United States. Additionally, Black women in Georgia have the highest labor force participation rates amongst all demographics; and

WHEREAS, the House of Representatives recognizes the trials and successes of Black women and girls and the impact they make across our state every day and supports their continued success.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that the members of this body designate April 8 of each year as Black Women and Girls Awareness Day.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution available for distribution to the public and the press.