Senate adopts concurrent resolution marking centennial of Black History Month and honors 20 'unsung heroes'

The California State Senate unanimously adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 122 on Feb. 24, marking the centennial of organized observances that became Black History Month and urging ongoing commitment to teaching and protecting Black history.

Senator Weber Pearson presented SCR 122 and framed the resolution around Carter G. Woodson’s 1926 founding of the observance, describing it as a permanent and necessary part of American history. He warned against the removal or distortion of Black history from classrooms and connected the observance to ongoing struggles over voting rights, maternal health disparities, and educational equity. Multiple senators from across the aisle, including Senators Sellardo, Becker, Joe Buck, Cervantes, Richardson and others, delivered supportive remarks highlighting the cultural, civic and historical importance of the month and the centennial commemoration.

The roll call returned 'Aye 39, No 0' and the presiding officer declared SCR 122 adopted. After adoption, Senator Weber Pearson introduced the California Legislative Black Caucus's 2026 list of 20 'unsung heroes'—community leaders, nonprofit directors, first responders, health workers and volunteers—from across the state and invited senators to join for a photo. The honorees named on the floor included San Diego Fire-Rescue captain Jason Shanley (founder, Homework San Diego), artist and community leader Rosie Lee Hooks, We Grow LA executive Lauren Brazil, photographer Leroy Fotom Hamilton, violence-prevention advocate Marilyn Washington Harris, community intervention worker Vernell Brown and others; several honorees represented municipal governments and community organizations.

Senators also offered adjournments in memory later in the session, including tributes to Sergeant Grant Ward and civil-rights leader Reverend Jesse Lewis Jackson.