HomeMy WebLinkAboutCM Proclamation Black History Month
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL
PROCLAIMING THE MONTH-LONG CELEBRATION OF
BLACK HISTORY MONTH IN FEBRUARY
WHEREAS, In 1976, as part of the nation’s bicentennial, Black History Week was
expanded and became established as Black History Month, and Americans of
all walks of life have come together since then during the month of February
to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in
every area of endeavor throughout our history; and
WHEREAS, These accomplishments are the more remarkable for having been won at the
cost of great struggle and sacrifice by women and men who came to these
shores in chains, and by their descendants; and
WHEREAS, African Americans were enslaved in this country, however they did not board
slave ships as slaves; they were Kings, Queens, Heads of State, healers,
doctors, scientists, librarians, educators, and entrepreneurs throughout the
African Diaspora; and
WHEREAS, Black History Month seeks to emphasize Black history and its cultural
contributions to American life, and is designed to recognize and pay tribute to
the many contributions of African Americans to the history, society, and
culture of the United States of America; and
WHEREAS, Black History Month celebrates the achievements of African Americans in the
arts, civil rights, education, entertainment, government, history, law,
literature, medicine, military, music, politics, science, sports, and other
endeavors; and
WHEREAS, Black History Month is a time for all Americans to remember the stories,
teachings, suffering, and struggles of African Americans who gave a voice to
the daily struggles for freedom, equality, diversity, equity, and inclusion; and
WHEREAS, The City of San Rafael Library & Recreation Department provides resources
and programming specifically to educate the community on important topics
such as anti-racism and equity, for example:
https://srpubliclibrary.org/research/resources-on-anti-racism-and-equity/;
and
WHEREAS, While we cannot ignore nor erase the consequences of our country’s long and
unfortunate history of violence, of discrimination, of systemic racism and
inequities, and of deprivation of African Americans – we can commit to
acknowledging our responsibility for those historic and systematic inequities,
while working together to create a future that is inclusive and equitable for
all; and
WHEREAS, The City Council of the City of San Rafael, takes great pleasure in recognizing
Black History Month, and urges all residents of San Rafael to join in
celebrating the accomplishments of African Americans and encourages the
people of San Rafael to recognize and appreciate the many talents,
achievements, and contributions that African Americans make to their
communities.
NOW, THEREFORE, The City Council of the City of San Rafael, Hereby Proclaims the month of
February 2021 as Black History Month, and furthermore acknowledges the historic harm that
African Americans have experienced and continue to experience in this country. Additionally, the
City Council recognizes the many accomplishments African Americans have historically achieved and
the many ongoing contributions they make to our society and our local community across Marin
County and San Rafael.
Kate Colin
Mayor
