Agenda Item - 2024-02-06 - Number 5.1 - Proclamation - Black History Month 5.1
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Proclamation
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� EGorV Black History Month
This Black History Month we celebrate the achievements of Black Americans and affirm their
place in this community. This month we focus on the stories of Black Americans, and in doing
so, we establish a foundation on which we can build a more true, more just, and more
promising vision of our shared future.
Cognizant of the perils of a fading history, Dr. Carter G. Woodson, established the Association
for the Study of African American Life and History in 1915. Dr. Woodson's dedication to the
preservation and study of Black life, culture and history culminated in the establishment of the
precursor to Black History Month in 1926.
In Oregon, we see the lasting impacts of Black Oregonians whose contributions have shaped
and improved our community. Some stories, often not well-known, include Markus Lopius, the
first Black man in Oregon in 1788, "York" who guided Lewis and Clark through tough terrains,
Leticia Carson, the first black woman with a land claim, Kent Ford, a leader providing food for
hungry children and establishing healthcare clinics and George Hardin, the first Black police
officer in Portland.
It is imperative that we publicly recognize and address the lasting effects of Oregon's founding
as a State originally inhospitable to Black people and the subsequent gentrification of
traditionally Black neighborhoods. The disparate impacts borne by Black families in earlier
generations continue to cast an unjust weight on current neighbors, necessitating our
commitment to rectify historical inequities.
May we continue to work together, as a community, to create a more just future for everyone,
highlighting stories from the past and the work still ahead. We will continue making history and
we pledge to honor Black Americans by creating a City where our Black community members
feel safe, valued and included.
NOW,THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that we, the Lake Oswego City Council, proclaim February
2024 as Black History Month. We call on the people of Lake Oswego to join their fellow
residents across the United States in observing this month through local programs and sharing
important stories. May we all make a conscious effort to keep alive the Black History that has
thoroughly enriched the fabric of our City, State and Nation.
Joseph M. Buck, Mayor
February 6, 2024