HomeMy WebLinkAboutPRO-2023-002-Orange County Board Of Commissioners Black History month Proclamation ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS , Carter G . Woodson and other members of the Association for the Study of Negro Life
and History initiated a celebration of African American achievements and contributions to American
life in 1915 during the week in February that encompassed the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and
Frederick Douglas ; and
WHEREAS , President Gerald Ford expanded the observance to one month in 1976 , urging
Americans to " seize the opportunity to honor the too often neglected accomplishments of Black
Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history ; " and
WHEREAS , observance of Black History Month continues to provide opportunities for all
Americans and residents of Orange County to gain an understanding of the many contributions
made by Black Americans in science , technology , arts and culture , religion , economics - indeed to
the fabric of our county and the nation ; and
WHEREAS , Orange County Black residents participated in the development and growth of Orange
County from its formation and continue to do so today having persevered against enslavement ,
oppression , and discrimination , and shown resilience throughout the years by continuing to work
toward an equitable and just society ; and
WHEREAS , each year the Association for the Study of African American Life and History sets a
theme for Black History Month and the theme for 2023 is " Black Resistance ; " and
WHEREAS , this year' s theme encourages each of us to study the history Black American fortitude
and commitment to establish a society where black life , like all humanity , can be fortified , honored ,
and respected ; and
WHEREAS , we honor the generations of Black organizers , leaders , and all who resisted and
continue to resist inequities , systemic barriers , and deep Anti - Black bias , so that African Americans
not only survive but thrive as they consistently pursue the American promise of life , liberty , and the
pursuit of happiness ; and
WHEREAS ; Orange County strives to uphold these ideals through an inclusive society where all
can thrive and look to Black History as an American History , fueled by perseverance and hope for
building a more equitable community ;
NOW, THEREFORE , we , the Board of County Commissioners of Orange County , do hereby
proclaim February 2023 as " BLACK HISTORY MONTH " and encourage all residents to honor this
occasion by learning more about the contributions of Black Americans in our Community and the
World .
This the 21 St day of February 2023 .
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17 5z ioezetti Bedford , Pair
Orange County Board of Commissioners