PROCLAMATION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COTATI
DECLARING THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY 2024 BLACK HISTORY MONTH
WHEREAS, National African American History Month first originated as Negro History Week in 1926 as part of an initiative by writer and educator Dr. Carter G. Woodson to recognize the heritage and achievements of African Americans and to enhance knowledge about African American history; and
WHEREAS, the national theme for 2024 is “African Americans and the arts.” This year’s theme examines the varied history and life of African American arts and artisans and celebrate African American art which is infused with African, Caribbean, and the Black American lived experiences; and
WHEREAS, in the fields of visual and performing arts, literature, fashion, folklore, language, film, music, architecture, culinary and other forms of cultural expression, the African American influence has greatly influenced American culture; and
WHEREAS, African American artists have used art to preserve history and community memory as well as for empowerment. Artistic and cultural movements such as the Black Arts, Black Renaissance, and hip-hop, have been led by people of African descent and set the standard for popular trends around the world; and
WHEREAS, in celebrating the entire history of African Americans and the arts, the community places into the national spotlight the richness of the past and present with an eye towards what the rest of the twenty-first century will bring.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED that the City Council of the City of Cotati proclaims the month of February as Black History Month in Cotati and calls on the community to study African American history, arts and culture, by visiting sites such as asalh.org (Association for the Study of African American Life and History), to attend local Black History Month events, and to acknowledge the value African American community members add to the vibrancy and culture of our city.