02 of 2023 - Recognizing February as Black History Month in Salt Lake CitySALT LAKE CITY CORPORATION
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JOINT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING FEBRUARY 2023 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, expanding 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; and
WHEREAS, In 197o, 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 BlackAmericans 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 Reverend of Calvary
Baptist Church, retired),
• Jeanetta Williams (President of the SLC and Utah NAACP),
• Rep. Sandra Hollins (first Black woman elected to serve in the Utah
State Legislature),
• Dr. Kathleen Christy (retired educator and Assistant Superintendent,
SLC School District),
• Betty Sawyer (Founder of Utah Juneteenth and Project Success
Coalition),
• Alberta Henry (education advocate and former SLC NAACP
president),
• Dr. Charles Nabors (first Black faculty member at the University of
Utah and Assistant Dean, Minority Affairs in the U of U College of
Medicine),
• Jeffrey Thomas (Utah's first Black fire captain and battalion chief,
SLC Fire department, retired),
• Honorable Judge Tyrone Medley (Utah's first Black judge),
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SALT LAKE CITY CORPORATION
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• Dianne Heshlep (educator/administrator/member of Soul -on -Snow
Ski Club) and Ruth Wooden (Deer Valley Ski Instructor/member of
Soul -on -Snow Ski Club)
as well as the luminaries of the future.
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 2023 is "Black Resistance." We have the
opportunity and responsibility to not only reflect on the obstacles overcome but
to also make the present a time where Black Americans equitably excel and
thrive.
Adopted this day of February 2023
Erin Mendenhall
Salt Lake City Mayor
Victoria Petro, Vice Chair
Salt Lake City Council Member, District One
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Chris Wharton
Salt Lake City Council Member, District Three
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Darin Mano, Chi
Salt Lake City Council Member, District Five
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Alejandro Puy
Salt Lake City Council Member, District Two
Ana Valdemoros
Salt Lake City Council Member, District Four
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