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Maine House adopts Black History Month centennial resolution after heated floor debate
Summary
Lawmakers adopted a joint resolution recognizing the 100th anniversary of Black History Month following a prolonged and sometimes contentious debate over the resolution's historical framing; the resolution passed on a roll call of 100–10.
The Maine House voted 100–10 on Feb. 24 to adopt a joint resolution recognizing the centennial of Black History Month and urging continued work to include Black history in education and public memory.
Lead cosponsor Representative Brito described the resolution as an effort to ensure Black history is not left out of classrooms and public records. Supporters emphasized the significance of the centennial and urged honest, inclusive history.
The floor debate was heated at times. The representative from Winter Harbor criticized the resolution's framing as overly focused on negative history and said the text "felt like a condemnation on the people of Maine"; other speakers pushed back, arguing the resolution states factual history and that acknowledging painful parts of the past does not preclude honoring accomplishments.
After extended remarks on both sides, the House adopted the joint resolution by roll call and ordered it recorded in the state files.
