REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Proclamation of February 2026 as Black History Month
Report
BACKGROUND
Black History Month is an annual celebration that commemorates Black Americans' achievements, honors their contributions to the United States and the world, and recognizes their crucial role in United States history. In 1926, this celebration was created by Harvard-trained historian Carter G. Woodson and was initially called Negro History Week. During the nation's bicentennial in 1976, President Gerald R. Ford extended the celebration to a month.
For 100 years, the nation has recognized the achievements and contributions of Black Americans, and their place in American history during the month of February.
Each year a theme is selected by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History to bring to the public's attention to important accomplishments and developments that merit emphasis.
This year's theme, "A Century of Black History Commemorations," emphasizes the significant achievement represented by a century of dedicated Black history commemorations. The theme honors how Carter G. Woodson's concept of "Negro History Week" has evolved to become an annual, month-long, scholarly and sustained movement to study, teach, and disseminate Black history.
DISCUSSION
At the February 10, 2026, City Council meeting, Executive Director Milan Balinton of the African American Community Services Agency (AACSA) 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 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 ...
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