City of Santa Maria
Santa Maria, California
Proclamation
WHEREAS, when Dr. Carter G. Woodson established Negro History Week in 1926, he lobbied extensively to establish Black History as a nation al institution and to encourage the study of African American history; and
WHEREAS, the Black family offers a rich tapestry of images for exploring the African American past and present and knows no single location since family reunions and genetic ancestry searches attest to the dispersal of family members across states, nations, and continents; and
WHEREAS, historically, and today in the 21st century, Black people have worked the political angle to seek their rightful space in the country, and all three of the Civil Rights Act, the Voting Rights Act, and the Fair Housing Act were concessions to the Civil Rights and Black Power movements; and
WHEREAS, societal and political forces escalate to limit access to and exercise of the ballot, eliminate the teaching of Black history, and work to push society back into the 1890s. The theme for 2024 is “African Americans and the Arts” which explores the key influence African Americans have had in the fields of visual and performing arts, literature , fashion, folklore, language, film, music, architecture, culinary and other forms of cultural expression; and
WHEREAS, Black History Month reflects on the struggles of Black families at the same time being a time to rejoice and celebrate their accomplishments, integrity, leadership, and determination, as well as to honor the history and progress that has been made in creat ing new opportunities for future generations.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ALICE M. PATINO, Mayor of the City of Santa Maria, hereby recognize February 2024, as:
“NATIONAL BLACK HISTORY MONTH”
in the City of Santa Maria , and encourage all residents and businesses to acknowledge and celebrate with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and have caused the Seal of the City of Santa Maria to be affixed hereto this 6th day of February 2024.
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Alice M. Patino, Mayor