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, Culture and Belonging Manager, Parks, Arts and Recreation, 360.753.8343
Presenter(s):
Javoen Byrd, Executive Director, The Hawk Foundation for Research and Education in African Culture
Antonio McClinon Sr., Student Mentor Coordinator, Olympia School District
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. This celebration was initiated by Dr. Carter Godwin Woodson in February 1926 - as Black History Week - which was expanded and established as Black History Month in 1976. The Association for the Study of African American Life and History has named the 2026 Black History Month theme as "A Century of Black History Commemorations."
Olympia has a long history of celebrating and supporting the diversity of all its community members and visitors. In February 2022, the City of Olympia partnered with the Hawk Foundation for Research and Education in African Culture to host the first annual Olympia Black History Month Celebration. This year the City is pleased to sponsor a Black History Month event hosted by the Hawk Foundation in partnership with the Olympia School District on February 20, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts.
Climate Analysis:
No impacts to any of the climate mitigation sectors.
Equity Analysis:
This recognition raises awareness about the sacrifices, contributions, and achievements made by generations of African Americans and Black community members here in the Pacific Northwest and across th...
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