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Proclamation naming the month of February as “Black History Month” in Allegheny County.
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WHEREAS, as a Harvard-trained historian, Dr. Carter G. Woodson, like W. E. B. Du Bois before him, believed that truth could not be denied and that reason would prevail over prejudice. His hopes to raise awareness of African American’s contributions to civilization was realized when he and the organization he founded, the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH), conceived and announced Negro History Week in 1925. The event was first celebrated during a week in February 1926 that encompassed the birthdays of both Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, two key figures in the history of African Americans; and
WHEREAS, the Black Awakening of the 1960’s dramatically expanded the consciousness of African Americans about the importance of black history, and the Civil Rights movement focused Americans of all color on the subject of the contributions of African Americans to our history and culture; and
WHEREAS, the celebration was expanded to a month in 1976, and President Gerald R. Ford urged Americans to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history;” and
WHEREAS, during this month, we honor the African Americans who have placed their stamp of character on Allegheny County and we recognize their essential role in shaping the story of our county and region through their many accomplishments and contributions;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Allegheny County Council does hereby proclaim February 2016 as “Black History Month” in Allegheny County. We call upon all the people of Allegheny County to observe this month with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities that highlight and honor the contributions African Americans have made to our county and our nation.