PROCLAMATION
RECOGNIZING FEBRUARY 2026 AS
BLACK HISTORY MONTH IN THE CITY OF HERCULES
WHEREAS, The City of Hercules takes pride in joining the nation in recognizing February as Black History Month to honor the legacies of past generations of African Americans and their central role in U.S. history and celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of African Americans in present day culture; and WHEREAS, The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), designated the 2026 theme for Black History Month as “A Century of Black History Commemoration,” signifying the 100th anniversary of the first national observance of Black History, founded by Dr. Carter G. Woodson in 1925; and WHEREAS, this year’s theme brings a focus to examining the impact of how a century of commemorations has impacted the status of Black Americans in the modern world, how the history has been represented, and how it resonates in the development of identity, foster pride, and transform how Black Americans and their communities see themselves and their impact on how the broader public understands their contributions; and WHEREAS, the social awareness of Black history is foundational to American history and vital to fulfilling our growth and development as a community, state, and Nation; and in these uncertain times, preserving and sharing an accurate and inclusive representation of history is challenged as policies of exclusion remain present and forces seek to ban books and erase historical narratives from America’s story that are essential to understanding our shared present and future, and WHEREAS, the commemoration of Black History “A Century of Black History Commemoration,” serves as a vital tool for education, resistance and empowerment, serves as a reminder that freedom is not secure when fear is in charge; and where the fight for Black dignity is a fight for human dignity, in these challenging times, presents a choice to remember the past or repeat it.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Chris Kelley, Mayor of the City of Hercules, on behalf of the entire City Council do hereby recognize February 2026 as Black History Month in our City of Hercules. I call this observance to the attention of the City of Hercules, to protect and preserve Black History and the gains made by freedom fighters and civil rights leaders and examine how their vision of diversity, equity, inclusion and mutual respect lives within us today.
In witness whereof, I hereunto set my hand and cause the seal of the City of Hercules to be affixed this 10th day of February 2026. __________________________________
Chris Kelley, Mayor