HERU

Town of Friday Harbor Mayor Raymont Jackson proclaimed February African American History Month January 2, 2023.

PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, during African American History Month, we celebrate the many achievements and contributions made by African Americans to our economic, cultural, spiritual and political development, as well as to pay homage to the millions of enslaved Africans who died during the Transatlantic Slave Trade; and

WHEREAS, in 1926, Carter G. Woodson and Minister Jesse E. Moorland laid the foundation for Black History Month realizing the achievements of African Americans were all but erased from national history and underrepresented in important policy decisions; and

WHEREAS, in 1976, President Gerald Ford made Black History Month a national observance, coinciding with the birthdays of both Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. This observance inspired schools and communities nationwide to organize historical foundations and associations promoting local celebrations, performances and lectures; and

WHEREAS, the observance of Black History Month is an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of our country’s history, as well as a time to recognize centuries of struggles in the name of equality and freedom, and

WHEREAS, the observance of Black History Month focuses our community’s attention on the continued need to battle racial ignorance, there exists no race of people respectfully identified by the color of their skin. For this reason, and in the spirit of promoting inclusion, education, understanding and most especially – social awareness;

NOW THEREFORE, proclaim the month of February 2023 as

African American History Month

in the Town of Friday Harbor and encourage everyone to observe this month by acknowledging the history and achievements of which there are many. I am proud that our citizens – past, present, and future – are respected and recognized for their contributions and potential contributions to our community. 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I, Raymont C. Jackson, Mayor of the Town of Friday Harbor have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the Town to be affixed this 2nd day of February 2023.

Raymont C. Jackson