CITY OF SEBASTOPOL
Proclamation
PROCLAIMING BLACK HISTORY MONTH IN FEBRUARY OF 2024
WHEREAS Black History Month, which began in 1926 as Black History Week, is a celebration initiated by Dr. Carter G. Woodson, noted Black scholar, historian, and son of former slaves; and WHEREAS, in 1976, as part of the nation’s bicentennial, Black History Week was expanded and became established as Black History Month, and Americans of all walks of life have come together since then during the month of February to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history; and
WHEREAS, Black culture is American culture and Black stories are essential to the ongoing story of the United States; and
WHEREAS, It is essential that we take time to celebrate the immeasurable contributions of Black Americans, honor the legacies and achievements of generations past, and continue to address and work towards reversing injustices of the past; and
WHEREAS, The Black History Month theme for 2024 theme, “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, Through resistance, Black people have achieved triumphs, successes, and progress as seen in the end of chattel slavery, dismantling of Jim and Jane Crow segregation in the South, increased political representation at all levels of government, desegregation of educational institutions, the passage of Civil Rights Act of 1964, the opening of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History in DC and increased and diverse representation of Black experiences in media; and WHEREAS, Black resistance strategies have served as a model for every other social movement in the country, thus, the legacy and importance of these actions cannot be understated; and WHEREAS, Black people have had to consistently push the United States to live up to its ideals of freedom, liberty, and justice for all.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY PROCLAIMED by I, Mayor Diana Rich, of the City of Sebastopol City Council, Proclaim February 2024 as Black History month, and recognizes, appreciates and honors African Americans for their leadership, commitment and vision to improving the health, well-being and safety for all who live in the City of Sebastopol; and
BE IT FURTHER PROCLAIMED that the City of Sebastopol City Council calls on community members to observe Black History Month and, in light of the theme, “African Americans and the Arts,” to study the influences 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.” IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and the Great Seal of the City of Sebastopol this 6th day of February 2024.
Diana Rich
Mayor, City of Sebastopol