P R O C L A M A T I O N
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
FEBRUARY 2022
WHEREAS, the month of February is officially celebrated as a national event honoring Black History and recognizing the heritage and achievements of African Americans; and WHEREAS, African Americans have played a central role in our nation’s history and the contributions African Americans have made and continue to make are an integral part of our society; and WHEREAS, Black History Month can be traced back to 1926 when the writer and scholar Dr.
Carter G. Woodson, the “Father of Black History Month” began the annual observance to help rectify the omission of African Americans from history books; and
WHEREAS, in 1976, as America observed its bicentennial, the week-long commemoration was expanded to one month and is celebrated today as Black History Month; and WHEREAS, Africans were first brought involuntarily to the shores of the United States as early as the 17th century, suffering enslavement and facing the injustices of lynch mobs, segregation, and denial of the basic and fundamental rights of citizenship; and
WHEREAS, Black History Month reminds us to continue to fight for justice and equality and should be a uniting call to our nation to continue to work for a more diverse, supportive, inclusive, and protective union; and
WHEREAS, across the generations, countless Black Americans have demonstrated profound moral courage and resilience to help shape our Nation for the better; and WHEREAS, Black History Month celebrates the many achievements and contributions made by African Americans, including our local heroes; and
WHEREAS, African Americans residing in Fort Bragg have contributed to the betterment of our community through their activism, volunteerism, civic pride and involvement; NOW, THEREFORE, I, Bernie Norvell, Mayor of the City of Fort Bragg, on behalf of the entire City Council, do hereby proclaim the month of February 2022 as Black History Month.
SIGNED this 14th day of February, 2022
BERNIE NORVELL, Mayor
ATTEST:
June Lemos, MMC, City Clerk
No. 01-2022