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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH - 2024
WHEREAS, Black History Month serves as a significant occasion for the residents of Cook County to reflect upon and acknowledge the vibrant culture, storied history, and invaluable contributions of African Americans; and
WHEREAS, in 1926, Carter G. Woodson's establishment of Negro History Week underscored the importance of providing a thematic focus to spotlight crucial developments that highlight the achievements and raise awareness of African Americans; and
WHEREAS, the selected theme for Black History Month 2024 is “ Preserving the Past, Shaping the Future: Heritage and Legacy”; and
WHEREAS, This theme reflects on the significance of preserving Black heritage, traditions, and history while looking forward to a future of continued progress and achievement; and
WHEREAS, The choice of this year's theme is particularly relevant given the current politically charged environment surrounding matters of race; and
WHEREAS, as articulated by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, “African Americans have persistently resisted historic and ongoing oppression in all its forms”; and
WHEREAS, These efforts aim to advocate for a dignified, self-determined life within a just democratic society in the United States and beyond its political jurisdiction; and
WHEREAS, As noted by LaGarrett King, an associate professor of social studies education at the University at Buffalo, it represents a concerted effort to reframe the conversation about Black history around a theme of empowerment; and
WHEREAS, Sara Clarke Kaplan, executive director of the Antiracist Research & Policy Center, aptly states, “There is no American history without African American history, as it is embedded in everything we consider as American history”; and
WHEREAS, it is incumbent upon us to consistently reflect upon the myriad contributions and accomplishments made by African Americans in the development and growth of Cook County and the United States of America; and
WHEREAS, Cook County is recognizing Harvard’s first Black graduate, Richard T. Greener, went on to become the first Black professor at the University of South Carolina and dean of the Howard University School of Law; and
WHEREAS, In 1898, Greener became the first African American diplomat to represent the United States in a white majority country when he was appointed to a post in Russia, leaving his wife and children behind; and
WHEREAS, When he returned to the United States, Greener took up a quiet life, settling on the South Side of Chicago with relatives and working as an insurance agent, practicing law, and giving lectures. He died in 1922 at age 78; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the President and the Cook County Board of Commissioners, on behalf of the residents of Cook County, do hereby honor and celebrate Black History Month in February 2024. This resolution reaffirms our commitment to recognizing and commemorating the indelible impact of African Americans on our community and the broader tapestry of American history.
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