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 Febru...
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