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Good morning,
During Tuesday's Board of Supervisor's meeting, I had the honor of presenting the Black History Month proclamation to Dr. Cheree Meeks, President, NAACP Tucson Branch; Beverely Elliott, Executive Director, African American Museum of Southern Arizona (AAMSAZ); and Bob Elliott, Chair of the Board, AAMSAZ.
I can't think a better way to start to our meeting than by recognizing and paying tribute to our fellow community members who teach us through love. kindness, acceptance and hope. Hope for a better tomorrow for all.
I said this last year, but it bears repeating; Black History Month is February but learning, understanding, acknowledging and celebrating our rich African American culture should be a lifelong study. I encourage everyone to enjoy the rich history and culture that is highlighted during this month and throughout the year.
Rex
PROCLAMATION
BLACK HISTORY MONTH IN PIMA COUNTY
WHEREAS, in 1926 Dr. Carter G. Woodson, a Harvard scholar, established the observance and celebration of African American history, and since 1976 Black History Month has been recognized nationally in February; and
WHEREAS, Black History Month celebrates the many vital achievements and contributions of African Americans in shaping our country, our society, and our culture; and
WHEREAS, the observation of Black History Month provides us an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of African American history and its role in creating modern American democracy; and
WHEREAS, we must acknowledge and pay tribute to the generations of individuals who struggled with great adversity, risked their lives for justice, fought a fight that at times seemed impossible to win, and continue to strive for equity and the American dream; and
WHEREAS, African Americans are engaged throughout our society as our friends and neighbors, scholars, teachers, business operators, community leaders, and contributors to the quality of our lives; and
WHEREAS, the observance of Black History Month calls our attention to the continued need to battle racism and build a society that lives up to its democratic ideals; and
WHEREAS, Pima County is proud to honor the history and contributions of African Americans to our community and throughout our state and nation,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Pima County Board of Supervisors hereby proclaims the month of February 2025 to be:
“BLACK HISTORY MONTH IN PIMA COUNTY”
and encourages all Pima County residents to celebrate our diverse heritage and culture, and to continue our efforts to create a world that is more just, peaceful, and prosperous for all.
(TEXT VERSION: Full signed copy available at the Clerk of the Board's Office)
On Feb. 20, I happily joined several dozen County employees and members of County Administration at a Black History Month celebration at the Historic Courthouse. Pima County Human Resources (I'm pictured here with HR's Ivy Baumann) organized the event, which featured the incredible music of Jonathan Garris and Soulful Collective Elite and meaningful remarks from Ms. Elliott; Freda Marshall, Executive Director of the Dunbar Pavilion; and Dr. Bryan Carter, Director of the Center for Digital Humanities at the University of Arizona. It was a wonderful evening.
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