TOWN OF FAIRFAX PROCLAMATION
PROCLAIMING THE MONTH-LONG CELEBRATION OF
BLACK HISTORY MONTH IN FEBRUARY OF 2023
WHEREAS Black History Month, which began in 1926 as Black History Week, is a celebration initiated by Dr.
Carter G. Woodson, noted Black scholar, historian, and son of former slaves; and 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, in the 1940s, thousands of African Americans moved to Marin County to build the merchant marine of World War II and become residents and community leaders in our County, vital and active to this day; and WHEREAS, Black culture is American culture and Black stories are essential to the ongoing story of the United States; and
WHEREAS, It is essential that we take time to celebrate the immeasurable contributions of Black Americans, honor the legacies and achievements of generations past, and continue to address and work towards reversing injustices of the past; and
WHEREAS, The Black History Month theme for 2023 focuses on the importance of Black Resistance, a theme that acknowledges how African Americans have resisted historic and ongoing oppression, in all forms, to advocate for a dignified self-determined life in a just democratic society in the United States and beyond the United States political jurisdiction; and
WHEREAS, Through resistance, Black people have achieved triumphs, successes, and progress as seen in the end of chattel slavery, dismantling of Jim and Jane Crow segregation in the South, increased political representation at all levels of government, desegregation of educational institutions, the passage of Civil Rights Act of 1964, the opening of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History in DC and increased and diverse representation of Black experiences in media; and WHEREAS, Black resistance strategies have served as a model for every other social movement in the country, thus, the legacy and importance of these actions cannot be understated; and WHEREAS, Black people have had to consistently push the United States to live up to its ideals of freedom, liberty, and justice for all.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY PROCLAIMED by the Town Council of the Town of Fairfax that the month of February 2023 is Black History month, and recognizes, appreciates and honors African Americans for their leadership, commitment and vision to improving the health, well-being and safety for all who live in the Town of Fairfax and the County of Marin.
AND BE IT FURTHER PROCLAIMED that the Fairfax Town Council calls on community members to observe Black History Month and, in light of the theme “Black Resistance,” to study the history of Black Americans’ responses to establish safe spaces, where the great diversity of our community, our county, and our country can be sustained, fortified, and respected.
Signed and dated this 1st day of February 2023,
Chance Cutrano, Mayor of Fairfax
AGENDA ITEM #22