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Washington Senate adopts resolution recognizing Black History Month
Summary
The Washington State Senate on Feb. 20, 2025, adopted Senate Resolution 8617 recognizing Black History Month after brief remarks from Sen. Lubbock; the chamber also referred two measures to committees and dispensed with the prior day's journal.
Washington State Senate — The Washington State Senate adopted Senate Resolution 8617 recognizing Black History Month during its Feb. 20, 2025, floor session, approving the measure by voice vote after brief remarks from Senator Lubbock.
The resolution, read into the record by Secretary Sarah Bannister as part of the eighth order of business, cites historical figures and events and calls on the Senate to celebrate the contributions of Black Americans to life in Washington state. "Black History Month is also American history," Senator Lubbock said on the floor before moving adoption. "As we celebrate Black History Month, there are so many names that we recognize and some names we don't recognize."
Why it matters: The Senate's adoption of SR 8617 is a formal, chamber-level recognition of Black History Month and records the legislature's statement of support in the session journal. It does not create a new program or appropriation; the resolution is a formal expression of the body's view.
Details of the measure and remarks The text read at the lectern includes multiple "whereas" clauses pointing to the founding of organized Black history study and to historic figures the resolution names. Secretary Sarah Bannister read the resolution into the record, citing founders of organized Black history study and historical milestones referenced in the text. Senator Lubbock told colleagues the month "means so much to so many people" and thanked the body for taking time amid a busy floor schedule to recognize it. "Every day of my life, I stand on those shoulders," Lubbock said, referencing civil-rights figures and family members mentioned in the resolution.
Vote and formal action Senator Lubbock moved adoption of Senate Resolution 8617. The presiding officer put the question and, by voice vote, "the ayes have it; the resolution is adopted." The transcript records a voice vote; no roll-call tally was provided on the floor during this session.
Other floor business Earlier in the session the Senate dispensed with the reading of the previous day's journal by unanimous consent after a motion from Senator Rochelle. The secretary also read introductions and referrals: Senate Bill 5222 was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and Senate Joint Resolution 8201, sponsored by Senators Braun and Peterson, was referred to the Committee on Transportation. Those referrals were ordered without recorded debate.
Looking ahead The presiding officer closed the day's business and the Senate adjourned until 12:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 21, the 40th legislative day, as announced on the floor.
