CITY OF MONROE

Proclamation Observing Black History Month

February 2024

P-2024-02

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, I, Robert A. Burns, by the virtue of the authority vested in me as Mayor of the City of Monroe, do hereby proclaim and observe February 2024 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 3rd day of January, 2024.

Signed, Robert A. Burns, Mayor