IV 
111TH CONGRESS 
1ST SESSION 
H. CON. RES. 154 
Expressing the sense of Congress that African-Americans and Jewish-Ameri-
cans share common historical experiences and a commitment to a society 
free from hatred and violence. 
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
JUNE 15, 2009 
Mr. HASTINGS of Florida submitted the following concurrent resolution; which 
was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary 
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 
Expressing the sense of Congress that African-Americans 
and Jewish-Americans share common historical experi-
ences and a commitment to a society free from hatred 
and violence. 
Whereas the tragic shooting of Special Police Officer Stephen 
Tyrone Johns at the United States Holocaust Memorial 
Museum in Washington, DC, on June 10, 2009, was an 
act of violence profoundly affecting both the African- 
American and Jewish-American communities; 
Whereas Officer Johns, an African-American, was allegedly 
killed by a White supremacist while defending an institu-
tion devoted to Jewish history and dedicated to eradi-
cating all forms of hatred and violence; 
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•HCON 154 IH 
Whereas Officer Johns’ murder sadly demonstrates an his-
toric commonality between the African-American and 
Jewish communities, that of being the target of senseless 
acts of hate-motivated violence; 
Whereas the events at the Holocaust Museum remind us that 
the African-American and Jewish-American communities 
must continue to work together to realize the common 
goal of combating hatred, intolerance, and violence with 
education, community-building, and a commitment to 
work together to improve our world; 
Whereas African-Americans and Jewish-Americans have a 
long and proud tradition of working together to eliminate 
all forms of racism, xenophobia, and anti-Semitism, and 
to build communities of toleration, acceptance, mutual re-
spect and understanding, and appreciation for diversity 
of backgrounds and life experiences; 
Whereas this tradition of joint activism includes the founding 
of the National Association for the Advancement of Col-
ored People, the fight against Nazism, the expansion of 
civil rights, and the struggle against poverty; 
Whereas by standing together, African-Americans and Jew-
ish-Americans present a powerful front to advance ac-
ceptance and understanding, and to make progress on al-
leviating many of the great social inequalities in the 
United States, including poverty, discrimination, dispari-
ties in education and health, and improving underprivi-
leged and underserved communities; 
Whereas the attempt to eliminate prejudice requires that all 
people in the United States develop respect and accept-
ance of cultural differences and to continue the dialogue 
across ethnic, cultural, and religious boundaries; 
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•HCON 154 IH 
Whereas there is growing awareness of the need to com-
plement tough hate crime laws and vigorous enforcement, 
which can deter and address violence motivated by big-
otry, with education and training initiatives designed to 
reduce prejudice; and 
Whereas it is the long standing policy of the United States 
Government to stand firm against crimes of hatred wher-
ever and whenever they occur and to ensure justice: Now, 
therefore, be it 
Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate 
concurring), That— 
(1) Congress— 
(A) honors the sacrifice of Special Police 
Officer Stephen Tyrone Johns in his defense of 
the staff and visitors of the United States Holo-
caust Memorial Museum; and 
(B) views this special relationship as an 
opportunity for dialogue for all people who seek 
ways of fighting injustice and securing dignity 
for all; and 
(2) it is the sense of Congress that— 
(A) the African-American and Jewish- 
American communities should continue to work 
together to combat all forms of hate-inspired vi-
olence; and 
(B) leaders and individuals in both com-
munities should make an increased effort to 
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•HCON 154 IH 
meet regularly to discuss matters of mutual in-
terest and concern. 
Æ 
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