WHEREAS, the month of October has been recognized as National Arts and Humanities Month by thousands of arts and cultural organizations, communities, and states across the nation as well as by the White House and Congress for several years; and
 
WHEREAS, the arts and humanities embody much of the accumulated wisdom, intellect, and imagination of humankind; and
 
WHEREAS, the arts and humanities enhance and enrich the lives of every American; and
 
WHEREAS, arts education research findings suggest the following:
 
„h The arts help close the achievement gap, especially among disadvantaged youth. „h The arts improve the academic skills essential for reading and language development. „h The arts build strong mathematical skills. „h The arts advance the motivation to learn. „h The arts promote positive social development.
 
WHEREAS, the nonprofit arts industry also strengthens our economy by generating $134 billion in economic activity annually and by supporting the full-time equivalent of 4.85 million jobs; and
 
WHEREAS, Americans for the Arts, the national coordinator of National Arts and Humanities Month, has focused the theme of this year¡¦s celebration on arts education and has launched a multi-year national public awareness campaign this year with the Ad Council entitled Art. Ask for More., motivating parents and decision-makers to get more arts education programs into children¡¦s lives at school and throughout the community; and
 
WHEREAS, the United States Conference of Mayors unanimously passed in June 2002 a policy resolution to urge mayors and other elected officials to proclaim October as National Arts and Humanities Month:
 
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Alabama Board of Education and the State Superintendent of Education do hereby proclaim October as Arts and Humanities Month in Alabama and call upon our citizens to celebrate and promote the arts and culture in our nation and to specifically encourage the greater participation of children in educational programs and activities in the arts and humanities.