AGENDA ITEM 4.f
TOWN OF FAIRFAX PROCLAMATION
PROCLAIMING BLACK HISTORY MONTH
FEBRUARY OF 2025
WHEREAS, the Town of Fairfax acknowledges the significance of Black History Month as a time to honor and reflect upon the contributions of African Americans to our nation's history and culture; and WHEREAS, the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) has designated the 2025 Black History Month theme as "African Americans and Labor," highlighting the profound impact of African American labor across various sectors; and WHEREAS, throughout history, African Americans have engaged in diverse forms of work—both free and unfree, skilled and unskilled, vocational and voluntary—that have been instrumental in shaping the social, economic, and cultural fabric of the United States; and WHEREAS, from the agricultural labor of enslaved Africans that sustained early American colonies, to the establishment of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters and Maids by A. Philip Randolph in 1925—the first Black union to receive a charter in the American Federation of Labor—African American labor has been pivotal in advancing workers' rights and economic justice; and WHEREAS, the year 2025 marks the 100th anniversary of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters and Maids, underscoring a century of African American leadership in labor movements; and WHEREAS, understanding and acknowledging the contributions of African Americans in labor is essential to comprehending the broader narrative of American history and the ongoing pursuit of equality and justice; and
WHEREAS, the Town of Fairfax is committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, and recognizes the importance of educating the community about the historical and contemporary contributions of African Americans; and
WHEREAS, during Black History Month, the Town of Fairfax encourages residents to participate in educational activities, community events, and discussions that honor the legacy and achievements of African Americans in labor and beyond;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED, that the Town Council of the Town of Fairfax hereby proclaims February 2025 as Black History Month and encourages all residents to join in recognizing and celebrating the significant contributions of African Americans to our community and nation, with a particular emphasis on the 2025 theme, "African Americans and Labor." IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the Town of Fairfax, California, to be affixed this 5th day of February 2025. ______________________________________
Lisel Blash, Mayor of Fairfax