HomeMy WebLinkAboutBlack History Month - February 2021Proclamation
“Black History Month”
February 2021
WHEREAS, in 1926 the Association for the Study of African American Life and History sponsored a
national history week to celebrate and promote achievements by Black Americans and other peoples of
African descent which inspired schools and communities nationwide to organize local celebrations,
establish history clubs and host performances and lectures; and
WHEREAS, in the decades that followed, many college campuses began recognizing black history
month; and
WHEREAS, in 1976, President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month and called
upon the public to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black
Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history”; and
WHEREAS, since 1976, during the month of February our Nation takes pause to reflect on the
injustices and struggles fought and overcome by African Americans throughout our Nation’s history, and
to pay tribute to the battles they have fought in the name of equality; and WHEREAS, our community, and lives, are shaped by the tremendous contributions of African
Americans who have used art as a vehicle for communicating beliefs, aspirations, observations, joys,
despair, resistance, and inequality; and
WHEREAS, the City of Pasco has its own experience with some of the first African Americans
settling in Pasco to work in the rail industry and followed by greater numbers to contribute to the
Manhattan Project in the 1940’s and in the process have deeply enriched Pasco’s history with culture,
skill, and service; and
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Saul Martinez, Mayor of the City of Pasco, Washington, on behalf of the
entire City Council, do hereby proclaim February 8th through February 12th as
“Black History Month”.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Official Seal of the City of
Pasco, State of Washington, to be affixed this 16th day of February 2021.
Saul Martinez, Mayor
City of Pasco