HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda 02-20-24; 4-a - Black History Month Proclamation 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: February 20, 2024
Action Agenda
Item No. 4-a
SUBJECT: Black History Month Proclamation
DEPARTMENT: Office of Equity and Inclusion
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Proclamation Shameka Y. Fairbanks, (919) 245-2317
List of Activities
PURPOSE: To approve a proclamation declaring February 2024 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 "African Americans and the Arts", which explores the
key influence African Americans have had in the fields of "visual and performing arts, literature,
fashion, folklore, language, film, music, architecture, culinary and other forms of cultural
expression."
County activities commemorating Black History Month are detailed on the attached list.
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.
2
• 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 celebrate this year's
Black History Month theme of "African Americans and the Arts";
NOW, THEREFORE, we, the Board of County Commissioners of Orange County, do proclaim
February 2024 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 201h DAY OF FEBRUARY 2024.
Jamezetta Bedford, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners
4
, BLACK
P isTiYRY
I M NTH
7.07.4 African Americans and the Arts
Orange County February N/A Join the Orange County Office of Equity& Greater Orange County
Black History 1-24 Inclusion in getting outside this month and &Online
Experience connecting with the foundational Black
Narratives woven throughout our community. Download the
Participate in local Black History Month events, Goosechase iOS or
support local Black-owned businesses,and learn Android app.Search for
about the Black experience in Orange County this Experience by code
(past,present,and future)to complete missions GJ3LXX.
and earn points.The top 25 point earners will be
entered into an opportunity to receive a prize!
Movie night Friday, 6:00- You're invited to a special screening of the Seymour Center
IL February 2 8:00 p.m. acclaimed film Till(2022).This powerful movie Theater
depicts the true story of a mother's tireless 2551 Homestead Rd.
fight forjustice after the brutal murder of her Chapel Hill,NC 27516
14-year-old son,Emmett Till.Seating is limited.
Light refreshments served.
Read it Tuesday, 12:00 The Heaven&Earth Grocery Store by James Orange County
AMR and Reap February 6 1:30 p.m. McBride Public library
GRim T Description:Join our facilitators as we delve 137 W.Margaret Ln.
T E i into a book discussion that follows a Black Hillsborough,NC 27278
community in the 1930s to save a young male
from unjust institutionalization.Light lunch
-: served.
Hershey's& Tuesday, 10:00 a.m.- OCOEI staff invites you to a sweet treat and a Orange County
Hot Beverage February 13 11:30 a.m. cozy hot beverage just in time for Valentine's Sportsplex
Day. 101 Meadowlands Dr,
Hillsborough,NC 27278
By the Pauli Murray
Mural,facing US-70.
Pauli Murray Sunday, 3:00- The 34th Annual Pauli Murray Awards aims Whitted Building
Awards February 25 5:00 p.m to recognize local Orange County residents who Donna S.Baker
exude many of the qualities that the late Rev.Dr. Meeting Room
Pauli Murray dedicated her life advocating for, 300 W Tryon St
such as human rights,equality,and leadership. Hillsborough,NC 27278
Please join us for some refreshments and live
music.
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www.orangecountync.gov/BlackHistory