Senate adopts resolutions recognizing Black History Month and celebrating children

OLYMPIA — On Feb. 13, 2026 the Washington State Senate adopted two ceremonial resolutions: Senate Resolution 8665 recognizing February as Black History Month and Senate Resolution 8681 celebrating children and civic engagement.

Senator Karen Nobles (move to adopt) framed SR 8665 around the contributions and resilience of Black Washingtonians and tied the observance to African American Legislative Day at the Capitol. "The higher you aim, mister president, the higher you land," Nobles said, urging adoption. The resolution text, as read by the secretary, honors Black history, leadership and the sacrifices of ancestors and calls for continued commitment to opportunity and representation.

After adoption of SR 8665, the presiding officer welcomed representatives of the NAACP Alaska, Oregon, Washington State Area Conference, including State Area Conference President Shalee Secrest, and members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., inviting them to stand and be recognized in the South Gallery.

Senator Hunt moved adoption of SR 8681 and spoke about children as "the heart of our communities," saying civic engagement begins early and commending student visitors to the chamber. "When things feel complicated, they remind us to look at those problems with fresh eyes," Hunt said. Other senators offered brief, personal remarks in support before the resolution was adopted by voice vote.

Both measures were adopted without recorded roll-call tallies on the floor; adoption was announced by the presiding officer.

The resolutions are ceremonial recognitions adopted by the senate and do not appropriate funds or impose regulatory changes.