Citrus Heights council issues proclamation for Black History Month

By Sara Beth Williams–
The Citrus Heights City Council issued a proclamation on Thursday recognizing the month of February as Black History Month.

The proclamation was read by Councilmember MariJane Lopez-Taff, and reads in part:

Whereas much of the City of Citrus Heights’ strength and distinction can be attributed to the diversity of cultures and traditions that are celebrated by our community;

And whereas National African-American History Month first originated 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 this year the theme of Black History Month is African Americans and the Arts, which showcases the historical and contemporary influences African Americans have made in visual and performing arts, literature, fashion, folklore, language, film, music, architecture, culinary, and other forms of cultural expression;

And whereas African Americans have made valuable contributes to our community through an abundance of artistic mediums that empower one another and uplift our communities in social, spiritual, political, and economic spaces; and whereas as a result of their determination, hard work and perseverance, African Americans have merited an exceptional success in all aspects of society, and their impact extends globally, including in business, education, politics, science and the Arts…

Now therefore be resolved that the City Council of the City of Citrus Heights does hereby proclaim the month of February, 2024, as Black History Month and invite everyone to observe this month in celebration of diversity in our community and highlight the importance of sharing our culture, customs, and traditions with those around us.

According to the NAACP website, Woodson founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History in 1915 in Chicago, The next year, he initiated the scholarly Journal of Negro History, which is currently published as the Journal of African American History.