REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Proclaim February 2024 as Black History Month
Report
BACKGROUND
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, Woodson chose the second week of February as it contained the birthdays of both Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. His concept was then expanded into Black History Month. Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially proclaimed the month of February as Black History Month.
The Black History Month 2024 theme, “African Americans and the Arts” examines the history and lives of African American arts and artists. The City of Santa Clara celebrates Black History Month to raise awareness of Black culture and honor Black individuals who have changed the course of American history.
At the February 6, 2024 City Council meeting, representatives from the San Jose/Silicon Valley NAACP and the African American Community Service Agency will be present to receive proclamations for Black History Month.
Founded in 1909, the NAACP was formed to secure the rights guaranteed in the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments to the United States Constitution. Today, the NAACP works to achieve equity, political rights, and social inclusion by advancing policies and practices that expand human and civil rights eliminate discrimination, and accelerate the well-being, education, and economic security of Black people and all persons of color. The Santa Clara County branch was formed in 1942.
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.
DISCUSSION
On February 6, 2024, the City Council will proclaim February 2024 as Black History Month in the City of Santa Clara.
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 Mayor and Council Offices.
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: Fiona Kirby, Management Analyst, Mayor & Council Office
Approved by: Jovan D. Grogan, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Draft Proclamation for February 2024 as Black History Month