New York Senate adopts resolution urging governor to proclaim February 2025 Black History Month

The New York State Senate on Tuesday adopted Resolution 312 memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim February 2025 as Black History Month in New York State.

The resolution, introduced by Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, passed by voice vote after more than an hour of floor remarks from senators who described the month as an opportunity to honor the achievements of Black Americans and to warn against efforts to erase or restrict teaching Black history.

Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins opened the remarks by saying she does not usually speak on Black History Month resolutions but felt compelled this year because of current events. “I don't usually speak on Black History Month resolutions because they're usually a recitation of what happened in the past... But because of where we are, because of the time that we're in, because of the moments that really require all of us to say something about something, I needed to say something about why we celebrate black history,” she said.

The resolution text memorializes the governor to proclaim the month statewide and lists historical milestones and firsts for Black Americans, including references to the Emancipation Proclamation and the 13th Amendment. It also updates the roll call of historic firsts to include contemporary milestones cited on the floor.

Senators from multiple regions used the floor debate to connect history to present-day policy. Senator Parker traced the intellectual and anthropological roots of Black history and argued for its continued centrality in public life. Senator Bailey recalled his family's history and urged that celebrations of Black culture and history extend beyond a single month. Senator Comrie urged economic inclusion through procurement and budget choices, saying “your budget reflects your values.” Several senators cited local examples, civil-rights leaders and cultural figures to illustrate the contributions Black New Yorkers have made to the state.

Other senators framed the resolution as a defense against recent efforts at the federal level and in some states to limit teaching about race and history. Senator Baskin said governing bodies must “revere Black History Month now more than ever” in the face of those efforts. Senator Webb read a poem by the late Nikki Giovanni and urged colleagues to honor the legacy of ancestors through policy. Multiple senators also urged that public budgets and programs reflect commitments to equity.

The chamber adopted the resolution by voice vote; the secretary announced the resolution was adopted after senators signified “aye.” The resolution directs that copies be transmitted to Gov. Kathy Hochul and to organizations planning Black History Month events across New York State.

Why it matters: Senators framed the memorial as more than ceremonial, saying it affirms state-level commitment to teaching and preserving Black history at a moment some speakers described as one of heightened risk of erasure. Several members used the floor to connect the symbolic resolution to budgetary and policy priorities such as education funding, minority business inclusion, and public-safety oversight.

The Senate also used the remainder of its session to take up an unrelated slate of calendar bills (see separate “Votes at a glance”).