02-01-2022 Proclamation for Black History Month vgiikr
ocoee
florida
Proclamation
WHEREAS, Black History Month is celebrated annually in February across the United States; it serves
as a celebration of African American achievements and the crucial role they had in U.S
History as well as time to recognize the severe adversity generations of Black Americans
had to overcome to achieve legitimate citizenship in our society; and
WHEREAS, in 1926, Dr. Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of African American Life
and History(ASALH)sponsored a national Negro History Week, choosing the second week
of February to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass; by
the late 1960s, the weeklong celebration evolved into Black History Month calling our
attention to the continued need to battle racism and build a society that lives up to its
democratic ideals;
WHEREAS, the City of Ocoee continues to work toward becoming an inclusive community in which all
residents are respected and recognized for their contributions and potential contributions
to our community; and
WHEREAS, the City of Ocoee established the Human Relations Diversity Board to promote
understanding, respect, goodwill, and equality among all citizens and businesses of the
City of Ocoee. Since its inception 17 years ago, the HRDB has worked with the city hosting
annual events promoting Black History Month; and
WHEREAS, Due to COVID-19, the City of Ocoee recognized MLK Day with a video presentation of our
previous MLK Day Parades and Celebrations honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin
Luther King Jr.; and
WHEREAS, the City's 18th Annual Black History Month Essay Contest encourages our local 5th graders
to write their perspective on this year's theme "Connecting Through Diversity in an
Isolated Environment to Support Positive Mental Health";and
WHEREAS, residents can tune in to Historical Civil Rights Segments on Ocoee TV Channel 493 to watch
programs that highlight significant people and events from African American history.
Citizens may also visit the Black History Month Wall of Fame in City Hall to view
biographical portraits of notable African Americans.
NOW,THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF OCOEE,
does hereby declare the month of February 2022 as
Black History Month
The city shall celebrate the vibrant culture and achievements African Americans have contributed to our
country;this month, and throughout the year, we urge our residents to celebrate that heritage and continue
to fight for equality and opportunity for all.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, 1 have hereunto set my hand
and caused the Seal of the City of Ocoee, Florida to be
affixed this 1st day of February, 2022.
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