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<br /> 1 performance artist, and activist, popularized this concept, arguing that rest is a direct challenge
<br /> 2 to systems of oppression that demand constant productivity, especially from women. The Color
<br /> 3 Me Bad event will occur on March 28, 2026.
<br /> 4
<br /> 5 Chief Civil Rights Officer, Paul Slack, reviewed the background information for the item.
<br /> 6
<br /> 7 Commissioners read the following proclamation in turn:
<br /> 8
<br /> 9 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
<br /> 10 WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH
<br /> 11 PROCLAMATION
<br /> 12
<br /> 13 WHEREAS, American women of every race, class, and background have shaped our
<br /> 14 nation through their innovation, creativity, and leadership—successfully rewriting the narrative for
<br /> 15 a nation that has not always recognized their contributions; and
<br /> 16
<br /> 17 WHEREAS, American women have played and continue to play vital economic, cultural,
<br /> 18 and social roles in every sphere of the life of the nation—excelling in academics, the arts, politics,
<br /> 19 medicine, sports, and beyond —while navigating challenges both seen and unseen; and
<br /> 20
<br /> 21 WHEREAS, women have been at the forefront of every major progressive social change
<br /> 22 movement, often advocating for justice when their own struggles were overlooked, including the
<br /> 23 suffrage movement, the abolitionist movement, the industrial labor movement, the Civil Rights
<br /> 24 Movement, and many more; and
<br /> 25
<br /> 26 WHEREAS, the courage of countless trailblazing American women has shattered barriers
<br /> 27 and glass ceilings, inspired people regardless of gender, sparked groundbreaking discoveries,
<br /> 28 and propelled America toward a more just and equitable society; and
<br /> 29
<br /> 30 WHEREAS, despite critical contributions, women's stories have too often been
<br /> 31 marginalized in the teaching and retelling of history, making it our collective responsibility to uplift
<br /> 32 and honor the women who have shaped our past and continue to shape our future; and
<br /> 33
<br /> 34 WHEREAS, the 2026 national theme for Women's History Month —"Leading the Change:
<br /> 35 Women Shaping a Sustainable Future" — celebrates women who are reimagining and rebuilding
<br /> 36 systems to ensure long-term sustainability across environmental, economic, educational, and
<br /> 37 societal spheres, and it invites all communities to recognize and support women's leadership in
<br /> 38 creating a future that works for everyone; and
<br /> 39
<br /> 40 WHEREAS, Orange County is committed to fostering True Community, which Reverend
<br /> 41 Dr. Pauli Murray defined as "being based upon equality, mutuality, and reciprocity," and will
<br /> 42 continue to elevate the dialogue on women's history and their collective power in shaping a more
<br /> 43 just and equitable society;
<br /> 44
<br /> 45 NOW, THEREFORE, do we, the Board of Commissioners of Orange County, North
<br /> 46 Carolina, hereby proclaim March 2026 as "Women's History Month" and commend this
<br /> 47 observance to Orange County residents, urging them to recognize the women in their lives with
<br /> 48 appropriate programs, activities, and celebrations that reflect this year's theme of leadership and
<br /> 49 sustainable change.
<br /> 50
<br /> 51 THIS THE 5th DAY OF MARCH, 2026.
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