PROCLAMATION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COTATI DECLARING THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY 2026 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 Black History Month in 2026 is "A Century of Black History Commemorations” honors 100 years of celebrating, studying, and preserving Black history, recognizing the evolution from a week-long initiative to a month-long national, and global, observance; and
WHEREAS, as we celebrate the 250th birthday of our country, this theme highlights the importance of preserving Black history, especially in the face of efforts to erase this history from our public spaces, museums and schools; and
WHEREAS, in celebrating the entire history of African Americans, the City places into the national spotlight the wide-ranging contributions to the history of the United States 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 and advocate for preserving an inclusive and accurate history in our schools and public spaces by visiting sites such as asalh.org (Association for the Study of African American Life and History), attending local Black History Month events, and to acknowledging the value that African American community members add to the vibrancy and culture of our city.