Title
Special Recognition - Proclamation Recognizing Black History Month
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Proclaim February as Black History Month in the City of Olympia.
Report
Issue:
Whether to proclaim February as Black History Month in the City of Olympia.
Staff Contact:
Olivia Salazar de Breaux, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Specialist, Parks, Arts and Recreation, 360.753.8343
Presenter(s):
Olivia Salazar de Breaux, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Specialist, City of Olympia
Javoen Byrd, Director, Hawk Foundation for Research and Education in African Culture
Background and Analysis:
Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing the central role of Black individuals in U.S. history.
The creation of noted historian Carter G. Woodson and other prominent African Americans in 1926, every U.S. president since 1976 has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month. Other countries around the world, including Canada and the United Kingdom, also devote a month to celebrating black history.
In February 2022, the City of Olympia partnered with the Hawk Foundation for Research and Education in African Culture to host the first annual Black History Month Celebration. The City, its employees, elected officials, community members, and visitors enthusiastically participated. This year the City is pleased to partner again with the Hawk Foundation, along with the Olympia School District, to host a series of three Black History Month events that allow time for learning, celebration and community building from February 16-18, 2023. All events are free of charge.
* Thursday, February 16, 1-2:30 p.m.: Virtual educational lecture with Dr. Sylviane A. Diouf, historian on African Diaspora and Visiting Scholar at the Center for the Study of Slavery and Justice at Brown University and Lloyd International Honors Colle...
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