Proclamation
Whereas, February is National Black History Month and the 2023 theme of Black History Month is “Black Resistance” – exploring how African Americans have resisted historic and ongoing oppression, in all forms, since before our Nation’s founding; and
Whereas, to quote from the White House Proclamation on National Black History Month, 2023: “During National Black History Month, we celebrate the legacy of Black Americans whose power to lead, to overcome, and to expand the meaning and practice of American democracy has helped our Nation become a more fair and just society. This country was established upon the profound, but simple idea that all people are created equal and shou ld be treated equally throughout their lives. It is an idea America has never fully lived up to, but . . . t he struggles and challenges of the Black American story, to make a way out of no way, have been the crucible where our resolve to fulfill this vision has most often been tested. Black Americans’ struggles for freedom, equal treatment, and the right to vote; for equal opportunities in education, housing, and the workplace; for economic opp ortunity, equal justice, and political representation; and so much more have reformed our democracy far beyond its founding. Black Americans have made a way not only for themselves but also have helped build a highway for millions of women, immigrants, ot her historically marginalized communities, and all Americans to more fully experience the benefits of our society;” and
Whereas, Black Americans strengthen and uplift our nation, including here in Alameda where their contributions are recognized throughou t our city in the naming of streets, housing developments, sports facilities, a community center , and a school, and on banners celebrating Black History Month with illustrations of influential national, regional, and local Black Americans which are display ed at City Hall , on City buildings, and at all Alameda Unified School District schools.
Now, therefore , be it resolved , that I, Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft, Mayor of the City of Alame da, hereby proclaim February 2023 as
Black History Month
in the City of Alameda, and call on the Alameda community to reflect on the centuries of struggle of Black Americans that have brought us to this time of reckoning, redemption, and hope.
Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft
Mayor