February 1, 2022 Page 1 of 2
DATE: February 1, 2022
TO: Members of the City Council
FROM: Mayor Tom Butt
ITEM: BLACK HISTORY MONTH – FEBRUARY 2022
STATEMENT OF THE ISSUE:
Observing Black History Month celebrates countless contributions made by African Americans in all aspects of our country’s fabric, including but not limited to business, education, politics, military, science, and the arts.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
PROCLAMATION declaring February 2022 as Black History Month in the City of Richmond
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There is no financial impact related to this item.
DISCUSSION:
In 1926, Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of African American Life and History recognized Black History Week to honor the contributions, achievements, and involvement of African-Americans in the development of the United States. In 1970, black educators and the Black United Students at Kent State University celebrated the first Black History Month, six years before it was celebrated across the country wh en President Gerald Ford recognized Black History Month during the United States Bicentennial in 1976 where he urged Americans to “honor the too -often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”
The Asso ciation for the Study of African American Life and History has highlighted “Black Health and Wellness” as the 2022 Black History Month theme and will host a series of virtual programs and events throughout the month . The City of Richmond honors the rich legacy of African Americans who migrated here to work in the shipyards and molded our cultural, economic, and social foundations . The City of Richmond
AGENDA REPORT
February 1, 2022 Page 2 of 2
recognizes and honors the resiliency of African Americans who faced generations of racism, discrimination, and unjust working and living conditions and is dedicated to combating racial inequities and institutional racism in order to ensure a just society on the home front of the next greatest generation. The City of Richmond e ncourages all residents to celebrate the contributions of African Americans in the United States.
ATTACHMENT:
Proclamation declaring February 2022 as Black History Month in the City of Richmond