1 HJR48
2 204899-3
3 By Representative Warren
4 RFD: Rules
5 First Read: 20-FEB-20
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2 ENROLLED, House Joint Resolution,
3 NAMING U.S. HIGHWAY 29 SOUTH IN TUSKEGEE, ALABAMA,
4 LUCIUS D. AMERSON MEMORIAL HIGHWAY.
5
6 WHEREAS, before Reconstruction, a largely African
7 American population in Macon County was not able to vote for a
8 sheriff; and
9 WHEREAS, Lucius D. Amerson was an Army veteran who
10 became sheriff of Macon County, Alabama, in the late 1960's
11 following the passage of the Voting Rights Act; and
12 WHEREAS, Sheriff Amerson was the first African
13 American sheriff elected in the deep South after
14 Reconstruction; and
15 WHEREAS, many saw his election as a sign of progress
16 for Black Americans in Alabama fighting for equality and
17 against police brutality; and
18 WHEREAS, Sheriff Amerson's story represents a
19 defining moment in law enforcement history; today, police
20 departments nationwide acknowledge that recruiting and
21 maintaining a diverse force remains a challenge; Alabamians
22 such as Sheriff Amerson serves as a constant reminder that
23 establishing trust between law enforcement and the public is a
24 critical component of ensuring public safety in this state for
25 future generations; and
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1 WHEREAS, the National Law Enforcement Museum in
2 Washington, D.C., will highlight the historic life of Sheriff
3 Amerson as a shining example of the vital role diversity plays
4 in keeping our great communities safe; and
5 WHEREAS, it is befitting that this state pays
6 tribute to Sheriff Amerson for his loyal and courageous
7 service to the residents of Macon County, as well as his
8 impact in breaking racial barriers for the greater good of
9 this state; now therefore,
10 BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA, BOTH
11 HOUSES THEREOF CONCURRING, That in honor of Sheriff Lucius D.
12 Amerson, we declare that U.S. Highway 29 South (SR-15) from
13 mile point 162.582 to 164.609 on U.S. Highway 29 South (SR-15)
14 be named in perpetuity, Lucius D. Amerson Memorial Highway.
15 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Department of
16 Transportation is requested to erect the appropriate signs or
17 markers as provided in this resolution in recognition of this
18 memorial designation.
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2
3
4 Speaker of the House of Representatives
5
6 President and Presiding Officer of the Senate
7 House of Representatives
8 I hereby certify that the within Act originated in
9 and was adopted by the House 27-FEB-20.
10
11 Jeff Woodard
12 Clerk
13
14
15
16 Senate 05-MAY-20 Adopted
17
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