Item Description:
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Celebrating and Honoring Black History Month - offered by Commissioner Angela Conley
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WHEREAS, in 1925, Carter G. Woodson founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History and conceived and announced Negro History Week to be celebrated during the week encompassing the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglas in February 1926; and
WHEREAS, in 1976, then President Gerald R. Ford expanded the celebration to a month and urged Americans to “seize the opportunity to honor the too often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every endeavor throughout our history”; and
WHEREAS, the consequences of historical disinvestment of Black communities in Hennepin County must be acknowledged and the reparation of these harms centered in the work of the county across all lines of business; and
WHEREAS, repairing harm that has deeply impacted Black residents is in alignment with Hennepin County’s declaration of racism as a public health crisis; and
WHEREAS, we understand that by addressing with intention the complex legacy of suppression and discrimination in housing, healthcare, child protection, education, criminal justice, and economic mobility- we build a better tomorrow for the next generation of Black residents; and
WHEREAS, all Hennepin County students, educators, and residents should know the rich history and contributions of Black people in Hennepin County, rededicating ourselves to nurturing a bright future for our Black students and residents.
Resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Hennepin County Board of Commissioner hereby proclaims February as National Black History Month to recognize the amazing and everlasting efforts and accomplishments of Black descendants of the African diaspora in Hennepin County, Minnesota, and the United States of America.
Recommendation from County Administrator: No Recommendation