HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-02-07 ProclamationAttachments:Black History Month proclamtion.doc
Item Number: 2.a.
February 7, 2023
Black History Month
City of Iowa City
PROCLAMATION
Whereas, since 1976, February has been designated as a month to celebrate the rich
legacy of Black Americans and their many contributions to this country; and
Whereas, the City Council of Iowa City has identified the advancement of racial
equity. social justice and human rights as one of the pillars of the City's Strategic Plan;
and
Whereas, the Council is committed to improving racial equity within City government
and throughout our city as a whole; and
Whereas, more remains to be done, this commitment is currently being demonstrated
through efforts such as the racial equity and social justice grant program, the use of racial
equity toolkits, the racial diversification of the City's workforce, and the establishment of
the ad hoc truth and reconciliation commission; and
Whereas, this commitment extends to celebrating the important roles that African
American leaders, educators, and social justice pioneers — such as
Archibald A. Alexander, Elizabeth Catlett, Phillip G. Hubbard, Helen Lemme, Elizabeth
Tate, and James Alan McPherson—have played in Iowa City's history and culture; and
Whereas, black history is important in its own right, but we Iowa Citians who are not
black have an opportunity to recognize that black history is part of our history, and
thereby to help us co-imagine and co-construct a future that will be good for all of us; and
Whereas, the City Departments have planned a variety of activities and programs to
acknowledge black history month including the Senior Center, Climate Action and
Outreach, Equity and Human Rights, and the library. More details on the programs can
be found by visiting the City's website.
Now, Therefore, I, Bruce Teague, Mayor of the City of Iowa City, do hereby
proclaim the month of February 2023 to be
Black History Month
or
Signed in Iowa City, Iowa,
"' " this 7th day of February 2023.
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