HomeMy WebLinkAboutProclamation - Black History Monthv
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NATIONAL BLACK HISTORY MONTH
WHEREAS, Black History Month started in 1926 when distinguished African American author
and founder of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, Dr. Carter G.
Woodson, launched "Negro History Week" to celebrate and showcase the historical contributions
of African Americans; and,
WHEREAS, Dr. Carter G. Woodson selected the second week of February because it included
the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln, which had been notable dates for the
African American community since the start of the twentieth century; and,
WHEREAS, In 1976, it evolved into a month -long celebration and became a national holiday
when President Gerald Ford officially labeled the month of February as National Black History
Month to highlight the contributions that African Americans have made in every field, from
science, the arts to politics, and religion; and,
WHEREAS, Today, we are reminded of something Amelia Boynton said when reflecting on her
march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge on what would be known as Bloody Sunday: "You can
never know where you're going unless you know where you've been." America is a great Nation
because we choose to learn the good, the bad, and the full truth of the history of our country —
histories and truths that we must preserve and protect for the next generation. This National
Black History Month, as we remember where we have been, may we also recognize that our only
way forward is by marching together; and,
WHEREAS, The City of Seal Beach recognize the month of February as "National Black History
Month" to acknowledge and pay tribute to the contributions that African Americans have made,
and continue to make to our nation economically, culturally, spiritually, and politically.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Schelly Sustarsic, Mayor of the City of Seal Beach, do hereby proclaim
the month of February 2024 as NATIONAL BLACK HISTORY MONTH in the City of Seal Beach
and encourage all residents to celebrate the diversity and character of our community and
continue working towards the ideals of equality, freedom, and the opportunities that our great
nation represents.
Schelly Sustarsic,
Mayor Pro Tem: Lisa Landau
City Council Members:
Joe Kalmick
Thomas Moore
Nathan Steele