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1 <br /> ORANGE COUNTY <br /> BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT <br /> Meeting Date: February 4, 2025 <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 Paul Slack, (919) 245-2317 <br /> Events Flyer <br /> PURPOSE: To consider a proclamation designating February 2025 as Black History Month in <br /> Orange County. <br /> BACKGROUND: Black History Month originated from the efforts of Carter G. Woodson and three <br /> colleagues, who established the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH) in <br /> 1915. Their mission was to research, preserve, and promote the achievements of Black <br /> Americans and people of African descent. Inspired by the fiftieth anniversary of emancipation <br /> celebrations in Washington, D.C., the ASNLH introduced the concept of a Negro History Week in <br /> 1926. <br /> This celebration was intentionally placed in February to honor the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln <br /> and Frederick Douglass, two pivotal figures in the fight for freedom and equality. Over time, the <br /> event grew in prominence, culminating in 1976 when President Gerald Ford officially expanded <br /> the observance to the entire month of February. President Ford called on Americans to "seize the <br /> opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area <br /> of endeavor throughout our history." Since then, every U.S. president has recognized Black <br /> History Month. <br /> This year's theme is "African Americans and Labor", honoring the role Black people have played <br /> in establishing this country through both free work and enslaved labor. <br /> FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with consideration of the <br /> proclamation. <br /> ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PLAN: This item supports: <br /> • GOAL 5: PUBLIC EDUCATION/LEARNING COMMUNITY <br /> OBJECTIVE 1. Foster collaborative relationships with formal and informal educational <br /> organizations and agencies to provide opportunities for community members to meet, <br /> connect, and learn together. <br />