HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda 02-03-2026; 4-a - Black History Month Proclamation 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: February 3, 2026
Action Agenda
Item No. 4-a
SUBJECT: Black History Month Proclamation
DEPARTMENT: Office of Civil Rights and Civic
Life
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Proclamation Paul Slack, 919-245-2317
PURPOSE: To approve a proclamation designating February 2026 as Black History Month in
Orange County.
BACKGROUND: Black History Month originated from the efforts of Carter G. Woodson and three
colleagues, who established the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH) in
1915. Their mission was to research, preserve, and promote the achievements of Black
Americans and people of African descent. Inspired by the fiftieth anniversary of emancipation
celebrations in Washington, D.C., the ASNLH introduced the concept of a Negro History Week in
1926.
This celebration was intentionally placed in February to honor the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln
and Frederick Douglass, two pivotal figures in the fight for freedom and equality. Over time, the
event grew in prominence, culminating in 1976 when President Gerald Ford officially expanded
the observance to the entire month of February. President Ford called on Americans to "seize the
opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area
of endeavor throughout our history." Since then, every U.S. president has recognized Black
History Month.
This year's theme is "A Century of Black History Commemorations", which highlights the 100tn
annual celebration of Black History week/month in the United States.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with consideration of the
proclamation.
ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PLAN: This item supports:
• GOAL 5: PUBLIC EDUCATION/LEARNING COMMUNITY
OBJECTIVE 1. Foster collaborative relationships with formal and informal educational
organizations and agencies to provide opportunities for community members to meet,
connect, and learn together.
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• GOAL 6: DIVERSE AND VIBRANT ECONOMY
OBJECTIVE 1. Provide family-oriented and inclusive programming or other cultural events
for residents and visitors.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve the proclamation
and authorize the Chair to sign the proclamation.
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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
discourages practices and actions deemed detrimental to the peace, welfare, and progress of
our community; and
WHEREAS, Black Americans, descendants of people forcibly taken from Africa and subjected
to the brutalities of slavery, White supremacy, and family separation, have survived and
overcome over 400 years of systemic oppression, creating a vibrant and dynamic legacy that is
central to the cultural, economic, and political fabric of this nation; and
WHEREAS, the resilience, innovation, and indomitable spirit of Black Americans have pushed
this nation closer to the ideals of freedom, equality, and democracy that the Founders expressed
but did not fully pursue, even as they have fought tirelessly against the enduring specter of racial
injustice, oppression, violence, and discrimination; and
WHEREAS, Black history is not only a celebration of winners and victories won, but also a
testament to the years and lives lost in the pursuit of equity, inclusion, social justice, and
liberation; and
WHEREAS, we honor the legacy of leaders, martyrs, visionaries, and revolutionaries who
sacrificed safety to defy both legal and illegal acts of oppression, from the children who led in
the Children's Crusade of 1963, to the students who formed the decentralized organization of
the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), to the Freedom Riders who spent 1961
traveling cross country on buses; and
WHEREAS, this year's theme of "A Century of Black History Commemorations" highlights the
100t" annual celebration of Black History in the USA, highlighting the longevity and impact of Dr.
Carter G. Woodson's efforts to implement the original, week-long recognition of Black History;
NOW, THEREFORE, we, the Board of County Commissioners of Orange County, do proclaim
February 2026 as "BLACK HISTORY MONTH" and encourage 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 3rd DAY OF FEBRUARY, 2026.
Jean Hamilton, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners