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To recognize and celebrate Black History Month in Columbus, and to express the city's appreciation for the long and distinguished service of the Columbus Chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, the Columbus Urban League, and the numerous institutions and organizations that celebrate and promote African American culture and heritage in our community.
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WHEREAS, in 1926, Dr. Carter G. Woodson founded Negro History Week to educate the public about the rich, complex, and largely unexplored history of the African American community in the United States; and
WHEREAS, since 1976, Americans have celebrated Black History Month - the product of Dr. Carter's vision - every February in recognition of the invaluable contributions that the African-American community has made to the culture and history of our nation; and
WHEREAS, notable African Americans from Ohio include such iconic figures as author Toni Morrison, Olympian Jesse Owens, scientist Granville Woods, state representatives George Washington Williams and C. J. McLin, actress Halle Berry, actors Bernie Casey and Hal Williams, singer Nancy Wilson, Hall of Fame football players Archie Griffin and Bill Willis, and former Columbus City Council President Jerry Hammond; and
WHEREAS, Black History Month celebrates not just the famous Americans who have contributed to their country and culture, but also to the countless millions, living and deceased, who have labored tirelessly and without fanfare to strengthen their communities, advance the cause of freedom, and leave their world a more just, peaceful, and decent place; and
WHEREAS, Columbus is fortunate to be home to numerous institutions and organizations, including the Columbus Chapter of the NAACP and the Columbus Urban League, that enrich the lives of all Columbus residents by celebrating and promoting African American culture and heritage; and
WHEREAS, Black History Month is a chance for all the residents of our community to reflect on how far our city, state, and nation have come in ensuring equality and fairness for all people, and to renew our commitment to go forward together and ensure that these values continue to define who we are as a people; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
That this Council does hereby recognize and celebrate Black History Month in Columbus, and expresses the city's appreciation for the long and distinguished service of the Columbus Chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, the Columbus Urban League, and the numerous institutions and organizations that celebrate and promote African American culture and heritage in our community.