Endorsement of the Inclusion of Fort Huachuca, Arizona Building 66050, AKA “Colored Officers’ Club” or the “Mountain View Officers’ Club” in the National Record of Historic Places (NRHP)

WHEREAS, the innumerable contributions made by Black service members are vital to the growth, peace, security and prosperity of the United States; and

WHEREAS, Fort Huachuca, Arizona is the home of the Buffalo Soldier; and

WHEREAS, Fort Huachuca, Arizona is home to the historic 92nd and 93rd Divisions; and

WHEREAS, Fort Huachuca Building 66050 is the first and only building constructed specifically for the morale and welfare of Black Army officers because they were not allowed to use the White Officers' Club; and

WHEREAS, Building 66050 was staffed by Joe Louis; was a performance venue for Lena Horne and served as a place of relaxation for Brigadier General Benjamin O. Davis, Sr.; and

WHEREAS, Building 66050 is a legacy to all Black service members who served, fought and died in defense of this great nation; and

WHEREAS, in May 1998, the United States Army Corps of Engineers, Los Angeles District awarded Contract Number DACW09-98-D-0004, Delivery Order 4, to perform a Determination of Eligibility (DOE) for Building 66050 to be included in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) under the provisions of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) of 1966, as amended, which requires federal entities to identify and evaluate cultural resources under their jurisdiction, particularly in areas to be affected by federal undertakings and to preserve what is viewed as an important historic resource; and

WHEREAS, the conclusion of the DOE was that Building 66050 should be considered eligible for inclusion in the NRHP; and

WHEREAS, notwithstanding the conclusion, Building 66050 was not recommended for inclusion in the NRHP but is designated to be destroyed.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People vigorously oppose the destruction of Building 66050 and endorses its inclusion in the NRHP as a National Historic Site; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People use its considerable influence to recommend to the United States Congress that Building 66050 be included in the NRHP and further recommends that it be restored and preserved as a National Historic Site.