Contributed by the city of Auburn
Mayor Ron Anders signed a proclamation declaring February to be Black History Month in Auburn earlier this week. The full proclamation is available below:
“Whereas, Black History Month gives us the opportunity to recognize the central role of Black Americans in U.S. history and to pay tribute to the many achievements and contributions made by Black Americans to the cultural, economic, political and spiritual development of our country and community; and
Whereas, Black History Month grew out of Negro History Week, which took place the second week of February to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass and which was created in 1926 by historian Carter G. Woodson, who was a noted Black scholar, son of former slaves and founder of the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History; and
Whereas, Carter G. Woodson envisioned the week as an agent for change with the goal that by revealing the contributions of Black Americans to our nation, equality would be achieved and that the increased visibility of Black lives would be a vehicle for racial transformation forever; and
Whereas, since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month; and
Whereas, the observance of Black History Month calls our attention to the continued need to build a society that live up to its democratic ideals of liberty, equality and justice; and
Whereas, the City of Auburn continues to work toward becoming an inclusive community in which all citizens — past, present and future — are respected and recognized for their contributions to our community, state, country and world; and
Whereas, the City of Auburn is proud to honor the history and contributions of its Black community members and those throughout the state and nation.
Now, therefore, I, Ron Anders Jr., Mayor of the City of Auburn do hereby proclaim February 2021 to be “BLACK HISTORY MONTH” in the City of Auburn and urge all citizens to celebrate our diverse heritage and culture and to continue our efforts to create a world that is more just, peaceful and prosperous for all.”