A resolution recognizing the 10th Anniversary of the African American Genealogical and Historical Society of Tennessee.

WHEREAS, on February 4-5, 2006, members and guests of the Genealogy and History Society, along with the public gathered to celebrate ten years of history at the Bordeaux Library; and

WHEREAS, the African American Genealogical and Historical Society of Tennessee was founded in 1994 in Nashville, Tennessee to address black family history and genealogy in the State; and

WHEREAS, founding members set forth by-laws to explore and perpetuate the history of the black family; to offer assistance to individuals in search of their roots, and to address interests and concerns in black family history and experience; and

WHEREAS, the African American Genealogical and Historical Society met monthly, held the Annual Black Heritage Conference, offered certificates to youth participants, and provided leadership and training to individuals on 'how to do genealogy research', they also purchased and placed in the Looby Library the Black Family Files, a collection of family history charts and miscellaneous on black family history and significant issues in black history; and

WHEREAS, in 1999, the African American Genealogical and Historical Society began the Sojourns or Tours to specific sites of African American heritage in neighboring counties; and

WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Public Library has stated that the 'genealogy society' got the local community interested in black family research and now significantly more African American persons are tracing their roots; and

WHEREAS, festivities on Saturday the 4th of February will begin with a lecture on the Underground Rail Road, followed by an anniversary luncheon and continued with the departure to the all black town of Free Hill, Tennessee, where residents of the community will share the town and family histories and hold guided tours of the local museum, cemetery and Underground Rail Road; and

WHEREAS, on Sunday, February 5, 2006, at the Bordeaux Library, our featured speaker Dr. Frank Dobson, Director of the Black Cultural Center at Vanderbilt University will review the book by America's only black Senator Barack Obama entitled: Dreams From My Father; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan Council recognizes and celebrates the 10th Anniversary of the African American Genealogical and Historical Society and encourage all Tennesseans to research and celebrate their family histories.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. The Metropolitan Council hereby goes on record as recognizing the 10th Anniversary of the African American Genealogical and Historical Society of Tennessee.

Section 2. The Metropolitan Council Office is directed to prepare a copy of this Resolution to be presented to Dr. Tommie Morton-Young, Founder of the African American Genealogical and Historical Society of Tennessee.

Section 3. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Brenda Gilmore

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY
Referred:	Rules & Confirmations Committee
Introduced:	March 7, 2006
Adopted:	March 7, 2006
Approved:	March 8, 2006
By: