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ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> BLACK HISTORY MONTH <br /> PROCLAMATION <br /> WHEREAS , Carter G . Woodson and other members of the Association for the Study of Negro Life <br /> and History initiated a celebration of African American achievements and contributions to American <br /> life in 1915 during the week in February that encompassed the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and <br /> Frederick Douglas ; and <br /> WHEREAS , President Gerald Ford expanded the observance to one month in 1976 , urging <br /> Americans to " seize the opportunity to honor the too often neglected accomplishments of Black <br /> Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history ; " and <br /> WHEREAS , observance of Black History Month continues to provide opportunities for all <br /> Americans and residents of Orange County to gain an understanding of the many contributions <br /> made by Black Americans in science , technology , arts and culture , religion , economics - indeed to <br /> the fabric of our county and the nation ; and <br /> WHEREAS , Orange County Black residents participated in the development and growth of Orange <br /> County from its formation and continue to do so today having persevered against enslavement , <br /> oppression , and discrimination , and shown resilience throughout the years by continuing to work <br /> toward an equitable and just society ; and <br /> WHEREAS , each year the Association for the Study of African American Life and History sets a <br /> theme for Black History Month and the theme for 2023 is " Black Resistance ; " and <br /> WHEREAS , this year' s theme encourages each of us to study the history Black American fortitude <br /> and commitment to establish a society where black life , like all humanity , can be fortified , honored , <br /> and respected ; and <br /> WHEREAS , we honor the generations of Black organizers , leaders , and all who resisted and <br /> continue to resist inequities , systemic barriers , and deep Anti - Black bias , so that African Americans <br /> not only survive but thrive as they consistently pursue the American promise of life , liberty , and the <br /> pursuit of happiness ; and <br /> WHEREAS ; Orange County strives to uphold these ideals through an inclusive society where all <br /> can thrive and look to Black History as an American History , fueled by perseverance and hope for <br /> building a more equitable community ; <br /> NOW, THEREFORE , we , the Board of County Commissioners of Orange County , do hereby <br /> proclaim February 2023 as " BLACK HISTORY MONTH " and encourage all residents to honor this <br /> occasion by learning more about the contributions of Black Americans in our Community and the <br /> World . <br /> This the 21 St day of February 2023 . <br /> n � <br /> 17 5z ioezetti Bedford , Pair <br /> Orange County Board of Commissioners <br />