This resolution affirms that the term "woke" has historical roots in Black liberation movements and social justice activism, dating back to the 1940s and earlier, rather than being a recent political invention. The measure, submitted by Representative Barbara Lee of California, documents how Black activists and writers have used variations of the term to call for awareness and action against discrimination, and notes that a 1962 New York Times essay by Harlem writer William Melvin Kelley first highlighted the term's cultural significance. The resolution argues that the term has been misappropriated and weaponized by critics, particularly through legislation like the Stop W.O.K.E. Act and End Woke Higher Education Act, which the resolution contends distorts the original meaning and targets diversity programs and Black educators. The House is asked to affirm the term's authentic historical meaning, encourage accurate use of the term, and condemn the cultural appropriation and historical revision of the word. This resolution does not create new law, allocate funding, or establish timelines; it expresses the symbolic position of the House on the definition and historical significance of the term.
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