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1 <br /> ORANGE COUNTY <br /> BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT <br /> Meeting Date: February 20, 2024 <br /> Action Agenda <br /> Item No. 4-a <br /> SUBJECT: Black History Month Proclamation <br /> DEPARTMENT: Office of Equity and Inclusion <br /> ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: <br /> Proclamation Shameka Y. Fairbanks, (919) 245-2317 <br /> List of Activities <br /> PURPOSE: To approve a proclamation declaring February 2024 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 "African Americans and the Arts", which explores the <br /> key influence African Americans have had in the fields of "visual and performing arts, literature, <br /> fashion, folklore, language, film, music, architecture, culinary and other forms of cultural <br /> expression." <br /> County activities commemorating Black History Month are detailed on the attached list. <br /> FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with this item. <br /> SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following Orange County Social Justice Goals are applicable <br /> to this item: <br /> • GOAL: FOSTER A COMMUNITY CULTURE THAT REJECTS OPPRESSION AND <br /> INEQUITY <br /> The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race or color; <br /> religious or philosophical beliefs; sex, gender or sexual orientation; national origin or ethnic <br /> background; age; military service; disability; and familial, residential, or economic status. <br />