004 of 2022 - Joint Resolution Recognizing February as Black History Month in Salt Lake City
JOINT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING FEBRUARY AS BLACK HISTORY MONTH
IN SALT LAKE CITY
WHEREAS, Black History Month is a time to celebrate the far-reaching contributions
made by Black Americans throughout our country’s history, that have
shaped our nation and our city for the better; and
WHEREAS, the origin of Black History Month can be traced back to 1926 when Dr.
Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and
History, which he co-founded, declared the second week of February “Negro
History Week;” and
WHEREAS, expounding upon the work of Dr. Carter G. Woodson, Black History Month
was first proposed by Black educators, students, and the Black United
Students group at Kent State University in 1969. In 1970, the first
celebration of Black History Month took place at Kent State and six years
later, in 1976, was recognized by President Gerald Ford urging Americans
to “honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in
every area of endeavor throughout our history;” and
WHEREAS, contributions by Black Americans have influenced all facets of society, from
culture to religion, from education to business and public service, and more;
and
WHEREAS, it is our honor to acknowledge and celebrate the heritage, perseverance, and
achievements of Black Americans in our nation’s history. We acknowledge
their struggle as an American struggle and at its core reflects upon our
society; and
WHEREAS, while we celebrate and recognize Black leaders, inventors, artists,
musicians, and creators on a national level such as Dr. Martin Luther King
Jr., Rosa Parks, George Washington Carver, Jackie Robinson, Billie
Holiday, and many more, we also acknowledge those locally who have
contributed to the rich history of our community in Salt Lake City and Utah;
and
WHEREAS, in Salt Lake City and Utah, we have many heroes to look up to and learn
from. From trailblazers of the past like Shirley and Carl Kinsey and Bettye
Gillespie, to advocates of today, such as Rev. France Davis (Civil Rights
Activist and Emeritus Pastor of Calvary Baptist Church, retired), Jeanetta
Williams (President of the SLC and Utah NAACP), and Rep. Sandra Hollins
(first Black woman elected to serve in the Utah State Legislature), as well as
the luminaries of the future; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED
that Salt Lake City recognizes the month of February as Black History
Month and the importance of Black History Month as an opportunity to
reflect on the complex history of the United States, while remaining hopeful
and confident about the path ahead.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED
that the Salt Lake City Council and Mayor of Salt Lake City remain
dedicated to dismantling racial inequality while advancing equity and
justice to all.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED
that Salt Lake City is committed to continuing the progress made
throughout Black history, but also to ensure a positive Black future. We
create history every day, and if we work together to make our today better
than yesterday, our tomorrow will only be that much brighter.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED
the theme for Black History Month 2022 is “Black History and Wellness.”
We have the opportunity and responsibility, today, to not only reflect on the
obstacles overcome, but to also make the present a time where Black
Americans continue to excel and thrive.
Adopted this _____ day of February 2022
________________________ _________________________
Erin Mendenhall Dan Dugan, Chair
Salt Lake City Mayor Salt Lake City Council Member, District Six
_________________________ ____________________________
Darin Mano, Vice Chair Victoria Petro-Eschler
Salt Lake City Council Member, District Five Salt Lake City Council Member, District One
__________________________ ____________________________
Alejandro Puy Chris Wharton
Salt Lake City Council Member, District Two Salt Lake City Council Member, District Three
__________________________ __________________________
Ana Valdemoros Amy Fowler
Salt Lake City Council Member, District Four Salt Lake City Council Member, District Seven
15th