HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 02-21-2023; 4-a - Black History Month Proclamation 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: February 21, 2023
Action Agenda
Item No. 4-a
SUBJECT: Black History Month Proclamation
DEPARTMENT: County Manager— Office of
Equity and Inclusion
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Proclamation Shameka Y. Fairbanks, (919) 245-2317
PURPOSE: To approve a proclamation declaring February 2023 as Black History Month.
BACKGROUND: Carter G. Woodson and three others started Black History Month, proclaimed
by every president since 1976. These Black Americans formed the Association for the Study of
Negro Life and History (ASNLF), which started the idea of Black History Month in 1915, at the
celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of emancipation in Washington, DC. The ASNLF, an
organization whose mission was to research and promote the achievements of Black Americans
and other people of African descent. The first celebration was during the week in February that
encompassed Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglas's birthdays. In 1976, President Gerald
Ford expanded the celebration to the month of February. President Ford urged Americans to
"seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in
every area of endeavor throughout our history." The month of February was selected to
commemorate the birthdays of Lincoln and Douglas and to recognize the history of Black
Americans and the historical significance they represent in the history of the United States.
This year's Black History Month theme is: From The Ground Up: Rooted In Place, Land, and
Body.
County activities commemorating Black History Month include:
• Thursday, February 2nd, 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., Diversity & Equity strategy session
Description: As efforts begin to shape equity in the community, a strong foundation is
needed. An opportunity for a candid discussion during this strategy session to build the
internal infrastructure of the equity committee.
Location: Solid Waste Management office (1207 Eubanks Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27516)
**Internal Orange County Staff only.
• Friday, February 3rd, 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m., Community Canvas
Description: A family affair as Black History Month kicked off! All visitors were welcome to
come join and contribute to the community canvas. A local artist helped guide everyone
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and paint a masterpiece focusing on this month's theme: From the Ground Up: Rooted in
place, land, and body.
Location: Orange County Arts Commission, Eno River Mill, 437 Dimmocks Mill Rd. Suite
17, Hillsborough, NC 27278
• Tuesday, February 7th, 12:00 p.m.-1:30 p.m., Read it and Reap
Description: A facilitator assisted as attendees delved into a book discussion of a powerful
story of a father's past and a son's future, Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates.
Coates wrote about race as he referenced his passion and hopes for change in society.
Location: Orange County Public Library, 137 W. Margaret Ln., Hillsborough, NC 27278
• Wednesday, February 15th,6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m., Movie night
Description: My Name is Pauli Murray reintroduces the iconic trailblazer who has been
overlooked in many elements of history. A documentary on the impact of this lawyer,
activist, poet, and priest who helped to transform the world.
Location: Seymour Center Theater, 2551 Homestead Rd. Chapel Hill, NC 27516
• Tuesday, February 21St, 10:30-12:00 p.m. Orange County Emergency Services (or
Orange County EMS) and UNC Hospital is offering a hands only CPR class. Learn how to
live heart healthy and some important CPR techniques.
Location: Rogers Road Community Center, 101 Edgar St. Chapel Hill, NC 27516
• Thursday, February 23rd, Black History Tour, from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. for the Roots
& Soul: Walking with Pauli Murray tour provided by Whistle Stop Tours in Durham,
NC. The Office of Equity & Inclusion is offering a co-learning experience to Orange County
employees. This will be an opportunity to participate in a 90-minute traveling performance
through the West End neighborhood, inspired by local history and the Rev. Dr. Pauli
Murray's ancestors. There will be an opportunity to witness the Fitzgerald Family's
determination for emancipation as remembered through the memories and writing of the
Rev. Dr. Pauli Murray. Together, attendees will unpack personal memories and embody
collective responsibility with one another. Bring your curiosities; move and create with
others!
This tour is a collaboration between Whistle Stop Tours and the Pauli Murray Center for
History and Social Justice and is offered by the Orange County Office of Equity & Inclusion.
This opportunity is open only to Orange County employees. Slots are limited, so RSVP at
https://form.cotform.com/230095861980159. Please feel free to reach out to
equityC@orangecountync.gov should there be any questions or for assistance getting
registered.
• Sunday, February 26th, 3:00-5:00 p.m., Pauli Murray Awards,
Description: The 33rd Annual Pauli Murray Awards aims to recognize local Orange County
residents who exude many of the qualities that the late Rev. Dr. Pauli Murray dedicated
her life advocating for, such as human rights, equality and leadership. Everyone is invited
for some refreshments and live music.
Location: Whitted Building, 300 W Tryon St, Hillsborough, NC 27278
• Monday, February 27th, 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Orange County Emergency Services (or
Orange County EMS) and UNC Hospital is offering a hands only CPR class. Learn how to
live heart healthy and some important CPR techniques.
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Location: Cedar Grove Community Center, 5800 NC HWY, NC-86, Hillsborough, NC
27278
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with this item.
SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following Orange County Social Justice Goals are applicable
to this item:
• GOAL: FOSTER A COMMUNITY CULTURE THAT REJECTS OPPRESSION AND
INEQUITY
The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race or color;
religious or philosophical beliefs; sex, gender or sexual orientation; national origin or ethnic
background; age; military service; disability; and familial, residential, or economic status.
• GOAL: ENABLE FULL CIVIC PARTICIPATION
Ensure that Orange County residents are able to engage government through voting and
volunteering by eliminating disparities in participation and barriers to participation.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: There is no Orange County Environmental Responsibility Goal
impact associated with this item.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve the proclamation
and authorize the Chair to sign the Proclamation on behalf of the Board.
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ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, it is essential to sustain a harmonious and inclusive society, Orange County
discourage practices and actions deemed detrimental to the peace, welfare, and progress of our
community; and
WHEREAS, Orange County is home to Black Americans who descend from formerly enslaved
peoples who were victims of the Trans-Atlantic slave trade, captured and transported from the
continent of Africa to the Americas where they were sold as property and endured brutal treatment
while being forced to build and develop new lands which includes a country that they would have
to fight to belong to; surviving more than 400 years of subjugation and oppression, all the while
becoming a new and unique group whose lineage predates the founding of the United States of
America; participants in every war fought to defend and protect this nation, even from itself, Black
Americans hold a special place in the foundation of our country and continue to be the standard
bearers of freedom and democracy despite the ever present residue and persistent ramifications
associated with America's original sin of slavery; Black Americans worked and fought to improve
their lives while facing down overt and systemic racism as well as racial violence and terror; Black
Americans have, and continue to contribute to the nation's, and our community's social, economic,
political, spiritual, and mental prosperity; and
WHEREAS, Black Americans represent a diverse group of respected residents of this country and
the Orange County community; and their contributions of humanitarian knowledge, technological
and societal innovations are vital components of the cultural fabric of our County, nation and world;
and
WHEREAS, Black American experiences and unrelenting resilience inspire people in Orange
County and around the world, we recognize a collective struggle for equality and inclusiveness now
and into the future until our shared humanity is acknowledged and celebrated; and
WHEREAS, every American recognizes the need for protest and the defying of cultural norms,
practices, laws and systems that are unjust, oppressive, and exclusionary; we declare this year's
Black History Month theme of "From the Ground Up: Rooted in Place, Land, and Body";
NOW, THEREFORE, we, the Board of County Commissioners of Orange County, do proclaim
February 2023 as "BLACK HISTORY MONTH" and encourage our residents to honor this
distinctive month by becoming more enlightened as to the true history of Black Americans in this
Country and in our community.
THIS THE 21St DAY OF FEBRUARY 2023.
Jamezetta Bedford, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners