title
Proclamation recognizing the 400th Anniversary of the African American experience in North America.
body
WHEREAS, in 2018, the United States Senate and House of Representatives enacted a bill, H.R.1242, that recognizes our nation’s Black History as having begun with the arrival of Africans in the English colonies at Point Comfort, Virginia, in 1619; and
WHEREAS, with the aforementioned Act of Congress which was signed by the President of the United States in 2019 our nation will recognize four centuries of African American survival, existence and ultimately, triumph in North America; and
WHEREAS, in 2019, led by William Marshall, Stop the Violence Pittsburgh and its partners will present several programs and events in commemoration of this historic Quadricentennial. The programs include: A Black History Month High School Student Program; the Jubilee of Freemen - Juneteenth Parade; the Martin R. Delany Freedom Festival at Point Park; and the Black Music Festival at Point Park; and
WHEREAS, individuals and organizations throughout Allegheny County are encouraged to acknowledge the diverse contributions of African Americans since the founding of Allegheny County in 1788; we must never forget the past, but should likewise never hesitate to celebrate the survival and triumph of our community’s African Americans;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that I, Council Member DeWitt Walton, do hereby and recognize the 400th Anniversary of the African American experience in North America, and we thank William Marshall for dedicating time and effort to making his community better.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto caused the Seal of the County of Allegheny to be affixed this 5th day of February 2019.