Monroe’s City Council passed two proclamations at the City Council Regular Meeting of February 11, 2025. The first proclamation honors February as Black History Month and the second declares January 20, 2025 as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
PROCLAMATION OBSERVING DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY
JANUARY 20, 2025
P-2025-01
WHEREAS, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. dedicated his life to championing liberty, individual rights, and equality under the law, calling upon our nation to uphold its founding principles that “all men are created equal”; and
WHEREAS, through his steadfast leadership and commitment to nonviolence, Dr. King inspired a movement that transformed the nation, shining a light on the injustices faced by many and paving the way for meaningful civil rights advancements; and
WHEREAS, on August 28, 1963, Dr. King delivered his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, where he powerfully envisioned a future where Americans would “not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character,” a vision that continues to guide and inspire; and
WHEREAS, Dr. King’s work exemplified courage, perseverance, and the enduring belief that America’s promise of freedom and opportunity could be achieved through peaceful action and unity of purpose; and
WHEREAS, the City of Monroe recognizes the importance of honoring Dr. King’s enduring legacy, not only as a leader of the Civil Rights Movement but as a figure whose vision for a better, fairer society challenges each of us to contribute to the common good.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert Burns, Mayor of the City of Monroe, North Carolina, do hereby proclaim January 20, 2025 as DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY in the City of Monroe and encourage all residents to reflect on his life and vision, and to honor his legacy by participating in meaningful community activities and acts of service that strengthen our shared values of justice, unity, and opportunity for all.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the City of Monroe to be affixed this the 20th day of January, 2025.
PROCLAMATION OBSERVING BLACK HISTORY MONTH
FEBRUARY 2025
P-2025-02
WHEREAS, noted historian, Dr. Carter G. Woodson, announced the second week of February as Negro History Week in 1926 in order to increase public awareness and appreciation of the important role that African-Americans have played in shaping America’s history; and
WHEREAS, the United States government officially recognized Negro History Week in 1976 as part of the U.S. Bicentennial, expanding it to Black History Month; and
WHEREAS, America is a melting pot of cultures and ethnicities; all part of the “Land of the Free.” Black History Month fosters cultural awareness and understanding, while encouraging education about contributions made by Americans of color; and
WHEREAS, the omission of much of the history and contributions of African-Americans from textbooks and other literature has impeded awareness and appreciation; and
WHEREAS, the celebration of Black History Month is a positive way of recognizing the culture and history of African-Americans as vital to the core beliefs and values of this society; and
WHEREAS, the contributions of African-Americans have been vital to the growth and development of the City of Monroe.
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Monroe, does hereby proclaim and observe February 2025 as BLACK HISTORY MONTH and encourage the local citizenry to participate in activities that foster awareness and appreciation of African-Americans’ contributions to shaping the history of Monroe, Union County, North Carolina and America.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the City of Monroe to be affixed this the 11th day of February, 2025.