HomeMy Public PortalAbout02072023 Black History Month
Black History Month
WHEREAS, often in the face of incredible prejudice and hardship, Black Americans have
enhanced and advanced every aspect of American life; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Carter Godwin Woodson, founder of the Association for the Study of African
American Life and History, and noted Black scholar and son of former slaves, initiated Black
History Week February 12, 1926, chosen to coincide with the birthdays of Frederick Douglas
and Abraham Lincoln; and
WHEREAS, in 1976, as part of the nation’s bicentennial, Black History Week was expanded and
established as Black History Month, now celebrated all over North America as a time to call
our Nation’s attention to the continued need to battle racism and to build a society that lives
up to its democratic ideals; and
WHEREAS, the omission of history and contributions of Black Americans from textbooks and
other literature has impeded awareness and appreciation and the observance of Black History
Month is a time when we honor the extraordinary contributions made by Black Americans
throughout history; and
WHEREAS, we celebrate the legacy of Black Americans whose power to lead, to overcome, and
to expand the meaning and practice of American democracy has helped our Nation become a
more fair and just society.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Mason Thompson, do hereby proclaim February 2023 as “Black History
Month” in the City of Bothell and we reaffirm the City of Bothell’s rejection of any and all
discrimination through its values, policies and practices and we recognize that our country and
community are strengthened and enriched by members of every race, religion, ethnicity, and
creed.
Signed this 7th day of February, 2023.
___________________________
Mason Thompson, Mayor
Mason Thompson (Feb 7, 2023 13:35 PST)
Mason Thompson