REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Proclamation of Black History Month
Report
BACKGROUND
The City of Santa Clara celebrates Black History Month to raise awareness of Black culture and honor Black leaders who have changed the course of American history. Founded by historian Carter G. Woodson, Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by Black Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. Initially lasting a week, Carter G. Woodson chose the second week of February as it contained the birthdays of both Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass and it was later expanded into Black History Month. Since 1976, February has been officially proclaimed the month to recognize Black History Month.
The 2025 Black History Month theme, “African Americans and Labor”, focuses on the profound impact of Black labor in building and shaping our nation with the collective experiences of Black people, history and culture. The theme touches on the invaluable contributions of labor of enslaved Africans, organized labor movements in fighting both economic and social injustice, to the rich legacy of Black entrepreneurship in communities.
DISCUSSION
At the February 11, 2025 City Council meeting, Executive Director Milan Balinton and Associate Director Lavere Foster of the African American Community Services Agency will be present to receive the proclamation for Black History Month.
The African American Community Service Agency, founded in 1978, provides quality educational, cultural, social, and recreational programs, services, and activities in order to perpetuate and strengthen African American identity, culture, values, traditions, knowledge, and family life in Santa Clara County and the entire Bay Area.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This is an information report only and no action is being taken by the City Council and no environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") is required.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact to the City other than staff time.
COORDINATION
This report has been coordinated with the City Manager’s Office.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City’s official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall Council Chambers. A complete agenda packet is available on the City’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office at least 72 hours prior to a Regular Meeting and 24 hours prior to a Special Meeting. A hard copy of any agenda report may be requested by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (408) 615-2220, email clerk@santaclaraca.gov <mailto:clerk@santaclaraca.gov> or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
Staff
Reviewed by: Maria Le, Assistant to the City Manager, City Manager’s Office
Approved by: Jovan D. Grogan, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Black History Month Proclamation Draft