title
PROPOSED RESOLUTION
CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH
WHEREAS, Black History Month provides an opportunity for the residents of Cook County to reflect and recognize the rich culture, history, and contributions of African Americans; and
WHEREAS, when Carter G. Woodson established Negro History week in 1926, he realized the importance of providing a theme to focus the attention on the important developments that have been made to highlight the achievements and raising the awareness of African Americans; and
WHEREAS, the 2023 Black History theme is “Black Resistance.” This theme explores how African Americans have resisted historic and ongoing oppression since the earliest days of our nation. This year's theme was chosen, in part, because of the current politically charged environment around race.
WHEREAS, “African Americans have resisted historic and ongoing oppression, in all forms.” “These efforts have been to advocate for a dignified self-determined life in a just democratic society in the United States and beyond the United States political jurisdiction.” said Association for the Study of African American Life and History. “It's an effort to reframe the conversation about Black history around a theme of empowerment” said LaGarrett King, an associate professor of social studies education at the University at Buffalo.
WHEREAS, “There is no American history without African American history for it is embedded in everything we think of as American history,” said Sara Clarke Kaplan, executive director of Antiracist Research & Policy Center; and
WHEREAS, we must always reflect on the various contributions and accomplishments made by African Americans to build and grown Cook County, and the United States of America; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the President and the Cook County Board of Commissioners, on behalf of the residents of Cook County, hereby honor Black History Month.
end