Orange County NC Website
Browse       Search
1 <br /> ORANGE COUNTY <br /> BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT <br /> Meeting Date: February 21, 2023 <br /> Action Agenda <br /> Item No. 4-a <br /> SUBJECT: Black History Month Proclamation <br /> DEPARTMENT: County Manager— Office of <br /> Equity and Inclusion <br /> ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: <br /> Proclamation Shameka Y. Fairbanks, (919) 245-2317 <br /> PURPOSE: To approve a proclamation declaring February 2023 as Black History Month. <br /> BACKGROUND: Carter G. Woodson and three others started Black History Month, proclaimed <br /> by every president since 1976. These Black Americans formed the Association for the Study of <br /> Negro Life and History (ASNLF), which started the idea of Black History Month in 1915, at the <br /> celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of emancipation in Washington, DC. The ASNLF, an <br /> organization whose mission was to research and promote the achievements of Black Americans <br /> and other people of African descent. The first celebration was during the week in February that <br /> encompassed Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglas's birthdays. In 1976, President Gerald <br /> Ford expanded the celebration to the month of February. President Ford urged Americans to <br /> "seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in <br /> every area of endeavor throughout our history." The month of February was selected to <br /> commemorate the birthdays of Lincoln and Douglas and to recognize the history of Black <br /> Americans and the historical significance they represent in the history of the United States. <br /> This year's Black History Month theme is: From The Ground Up: Rooted In Place, Land, and <br /> Body. <br /> County activities commemorating Black History Month include: <br /> • Thursday, February 2nd, 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., Diversity & Equity strategy session <br /> Description: As efforts begin to shape equity in the community, a strong foundation is <br /> needed. An opportunity for a candid discussion during this strategy session to build the <br /> internal infrastructure of the equity committee. <br /> Location: Solid Waste Management office (1207 Eubanks Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27516) <br /> **Internal Orange County Staff only. <br /> • Friday, February 3rd, 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m., Community Canvas <br /> Description: A family affair as Black History Month kicked off! All visitors were welcome to <br /> come join and contribute to the community canvas. A local artist helped guide everyone <br />