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Proclamation Declaring February 2024, as National African American History Month
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Recommendation
Staff recommends Mayor and Council read and approve the proclamation.
Discussion
National African American History Month is a tribute to the generations of African Americans who struggled with adversity to achieve full citizenship in American Society.
Originating in 1926 from the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH), founded by historian Carter G. Woodson, the second week of February was declared National Negro History Week to recognize and celebrate African American achievements. The week was selected as the birthdays of both Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass fell upon it. The response was overwhelming: Black history clubs sprang up; teachers demanded materials to instruct their pupils; and others stepped forward to endorse the effort.
By 1950, having made substantial progress in bringing more Americans to appreciate the celebration, with mayors of American cities having issued proclamations noting Negro History Week, Black History Week had become a central part of African American life. The 1960s further expanded the importance of Black history, and the Civil Rights movement focused Americans of all color on African Americans’ contributions to our history and culture.
The week-long celebration was later extended to the entire month of February when President Gerald Ford officially recognized it in 1976 as Black History Month (also being referred to as
African American History Month). That same year, fifty years after the first celebration, the ASNLH held their first African American History Month. At that point, the entire nation had recognized the importance of Black history in the American story. Following 1976 and in proceeding years, every American President has issued an African American History Month proclamation. The ASNLH continues to promote Black history to this day.
African American History Month honors and celebrates the many contributions of African Americans in the United States. From pioneers and leaders in history like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Jesse Owens, Thurgood Marshall, Dr. Mae Jemison, Dr. Charles Drew to many recent notable figures like astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, President Barack Obama, Vice President Kamala Harris, youth poet laurate Amanda Gorman, Dr. Kizzmekia S. Corbett, and even Maryland’s first African American Governor, Wes Moore.
This honorary month has also extended outside the United States as well, with nations such as Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, France, and even several countries in Africa celebrating their own Black History Month.
Here in the City of Rockville, African Americans have and continue to make valuable contributions to our community through determination, hard work, intelligence, and perseverance; achieving success in business, education, politics, science, and the arts. During the month of February, everyone is encouraged to reflect on the past and present successes and challenges of African Americans, participate in events that celebrate the month, and share and appreciate the many stories that are told.
Mayor and Council History
The Mayor and Council recognize National African American History Month annually.
Public Notification and Engagement
Will Adams, Fiddler of Ken-Gar (29562) is a presentation from writer, researcher, and family historian, Julianne Mangin that will take place at the Rockville Senior Center on Wednesday, February 14th from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Learn the story of Fiddler Will Adams who had deep roots in the Black communities of Montgomery County, from Sandy Springs to Norbeck to Ken-Gar. Get a glimpse of African American life in Montgomery County from the final years of slavery to the mid-20th century. Registration is open now for a fee of $9.00.
African American Trailblazers (29570) is a virtual presentation that will examine the contributions of African American pioneers in pro football, beginning in 1904 with the signing of Charles Follis, to modern-day players and coaches. Presented by the Pro Football Hall of Fame, this event will take place on Thursday, February 15th from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm and will cost $9.00 for entry. Register today!
The Mount Calvary Baptist Church will be holding a Black History Ethnic Food Tasting on Sunday, February 25th. The event will be held from 12:45 pm to 2:00 pm in the Leon Grant Family Life Center (LGFLC) by Rev. Dr. Brian O. Bellamy, Sr. Pastor. Call 301-424-8717 or visit mtcbc.org for more information.