WHEREAS, 2015 marks the 89th annual celebration of Black History since Carter G. Woodson, a noted scholar and historian instituted Negro History Week in 1926. He chose the second week of February to coincide with the birthdays of President Abraham Lincoln and the Black 19th century abolitionist Frederick Douglass; and
WHEREAS, the first official Black History Month was announced in 1976 by President Gerald R. Ford, who urged Americans to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history;” and
WHEREAS, Black History Month affords the special opportunity to become more knowledgeable about Black heritage, and to honor the many Black leaders who have contributed to the progress of our nation; and
WHEREAS, such knowledge can strengthen the insight of all our citizens regarding the issues of human rights, the great strides that have been made in the crusade to eliminate the barriers of equality for minority groups, and the continued struggle against racial discrimination.
NOW, THEREFORE I, FREDDIE TAYLOR, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Mayor, and on behalf of the City Council of the City of Sulphur Springs, Texas, do hereby proclaim the month of February as
“BLACK HISTORY MONTH”
and urge all residents to join together in making this a period of rededication to the principles of justice and equality for all people.
Signed and sealed this 3rd day of February 2015.
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Freddie Taylor, Mayor
