Title
Proclamation Declaring February 2021 as Black History Month. (City Manager 2110)
Body
Proclamation
Whereas, in 1926, Harvard-trained historian Carter G. Woodson announced the first Negro History Week to raise awareness of African American’s contributions to civilization, believing, as did W. E. B. Du Bois before him, that truth could not be denied and reason would prevail over prejudice; and
Whereas, the first event was celebrated during a week in February 1926 that encompassed the birthdays of both Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, resulting in the establishment of Black history clubs and the creation of school curriculum. In 1976, the celebration was expanded to the month of February; and
Whereas, African American contributions have been recognized throughout Alameda in the naming of places, including a school, streets, housing developments, sports facilities, and a community center; and
Whereas, today, Black Alamedans are represented in civic, civil, and human rights organizations, are business owners, members of City staff, Boards and Commissions, and elected officials; and
Whereas, in the last year, Black Alamedans organized Black Lives Matter protests, led community efforts to develop recommendations for police reform and racial equity, relaunched the Alameda Island NAACP, organized community events, and were instrumental in efforts to rename public spaces; and
Whereas, beginning in 2017, a banner celebrating Black History Month with illustrations of local, regional, and national influential African Americans has been hung at City Hall and at all Alameda schools; and
Whereas, in 1976, on the 50th anniversary of the first Negro History Week, President Gerald Ford issued a proclamation honoring the spirit of Black History Month, saying the celebration enabled people to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”; and
Whereas, here in Alameda, we recognize and honor the many contributions of Black residents over the years, including the present day.
Now, therefore, be it resolved, that I, Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft, Mayor of the City of Alameda, hereby proclaim February 2021 as Black History Month in the City of Alameda, and invite our residents to join the City’s virtual celebration on February 4th at 6:00pm, titled “The Black Family: A Conversation with Black Families in Alameda.”
Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft, Mayor