Polk County Issues Proclamation Recognizing Black History Month

Supervisors on Tuesday issued a proclamation recognizing February as black history month in Polk County. Thank you to our guests who attended the meeting to celebrate this recognition. The proclamation reads:

Black History Month

February 2024

Whereas, Black History Month, also known as African American History Month, is a celebration of the contributions and achievements of African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history; and

Whereas, the celebration of Black History Month traces back to 1915, when Dr. Carter G. Woodson and minister Jesse E. Moorland founded the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), an organization dedicated to researching and promoting achievements by Black Americans and other peoples of African descent; and

Whereas, in 1926, Dr. Woodson and ASALH sponsored the first Black History week, choosing the second week of February to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass; and

Whereas, the Civil Rights Movement and a growing awareness of Black identity in the late 1960s helped evolve Black History week into a month- long celebration; and

Whereas, in 1976, President Gerald Ford issued the first African-American History Month proclamation, calling upon the public to celebrate this observance each February and since that time, U.S. presidents have issued proclamations to pay tribute to African Americans and endorsed a specific theme; and

Whereas, this year's theme, "African Americans and the Arts," sheds light on the pivotal role African American artists have played in preserving history, fostering community memory, and empowering individuals through their artistic expressions; and

Whereas, Polk County honors the contributions, sacrifices, and accomplishments of African Americans in the community and throughout the history of the nation; and

Now, Therefore, be it resolved that we, the Polk County Board of Supervisors, do hereby proclaim February 2024 to be:

Black History Month in Polk County, Iowa and encourage all residents to observe this month by participating in programs, partnerships, activities, and events taking place throughout the area to celebrate Black history.