PROCLAMATION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COTATI DECLARING THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY 2025 BLACK HISTORY MONTH
WHEREAS, National African American History Month first originated as Negro History Week in 1926 as part of an initiative by writer and educator Dr. Carter G. Woodson to recognize the heritage and achievements of African Americans and to enhance knowledge about African American history; and
WHEREAS, the national theme for Black History Month in 2025 is "African Americans and Labor," focusing on the significant role that work, in all its forms, has played in the collective experiences of Black people throughout history; and
WHEREAS, this theme aims to highlight how work, both free and unfree, skilled and unskilled, has been central to the Black American experience and how labor has shaped Black communities, identities, and struggles for social justice; and
WHEREAS, in celebrating the entire history of African Americans, the City places into the national spotlight the wide-ranging contributions to the history of the United States with an eye towards what the rest of the twenty-first century will bring.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED that the City Council of the City of Cotati proclaims the month of February as Black History Month in Cotati and calls on the community to study African American history, arts and culture, by visiting sites such as asalh.org (Association for the Study of African American Life and History), to attend local Black History Month events, and to acknowledge the value African American community members add to the vibrancy and culture of our city.