WHEREAS:

A Memorial on the National Mall honoring Black Americans who served in the American Revolution is proposed; and

WHEREAS:

This Memorial will honor the 5,000 Blacks who fought in this Nation's Revolutionary war, who showed loyalty, courage, and a belief in their country; and

WHEREAS:

This Memorial will serve to remind, as well as educate the American public of the brave contributions made by these Black men; and

WHEREAS:

This Memorial is a long overdue tribute to the Black patriots, more than 5,000 Black slaves and free persons who between 1775 and 1783 fought for America's freedom and independence; and

WHEREAS:

Blacks sometimes fought for much longer durations because they were fighting for their own emancipation; and

WHEREAS:

Thousands of runaway slaves joined with their slave brothers who were forced to fight in place of their white slave masters who refused to fight in the war, free Black men joined the war effort; and

WHEREAS:

The Patriots Foundation has until October 1993 to raise the estimated $6,000,000 from private sources, or the site given by Congress will be forfeited; and

WHEREAS:

Mr. Lane Kirkland has made a contribution of $10,000 on behalf of the AFL-CIO; and

WHEREAS:

AFSCME D.C. Council 20, has passed this resolution and made a financial pledge to the Patriots Foundation and goes on record as supporting this valuable project, and the efforts of founder and president, Maurice A. Barboza, by writing a letter to the Foundation and the president.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That AFSCME International make a donation to the Patriots Foundation for the establishment of Memorial; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME International urges its councils and locals to support and solicit from its donations to the Patriots Foundation; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:

That AFSCME International will offer its services in support of the Foundation in other ways such as publicity and research.

SUBMITTED BY:

Charles Hicks, President and Delegate
AFSCME Local 1808, Council 20

Felicia Duckett, President and Delegate
AFSCME Local 2096, Council 20
District of Columbia