HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-02-06 ProclamationItem Number: 2.a.
CITY OF IOWA CITY
COUNCIL ACTION REPORT
February 6, 2024
Black History Month
Attachments: Black History Month proclamation
City of Iowa City
PROCLAMATION
Whereas, with the 2024 theme of "African Americans and the Arts," Iowa City joins the
nation in celebrating Black History Month, which is also known as African American
History Month, in February; and
Whereas, African Americans have played central roles in some of the most triumphant and
courageous moments in the history of our nation. During the month of February, the city
recognizes and honors their achievements; and
Whereas, the annual celebration of Black History Month, which showcases achievements
by African Americans and their role in U.S. history, grew out of a national "Negro History
Week" organized in 1916; and
Whereas, organizers of the celebration choose the second week of February to coincide
with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, Douglass of whom was born
Feb. 14, 1818; and
Whereas, the first "Negro History Week" celebration occurred seven years after the
founding of the NAACP on Feb. 12, 1909, the centennial anniversary of the birth of
Abraham Lincoln; and
Whereas, in 1976, President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month,
calling upon the public to "seize the opportunity to honor the too -often neglected
accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history"; and
Whereas, this February, Iowa City is celebrating Black History Month as a time to honor
the contributions and legacy of African Americans; and
Whereas, these important individuals include activists and civil rights pioneers who
embodied Black Resistance and empowered positive changes in education, arts, business,
sports and politics.
Now, Therefore, I, Bruce Teague, Mayor of the City of Iowa City, do hereby proclaim
the month of February 2024 to be
Black History Month
in Iowa City and encourage you to learn more and to explore the City's Black History
programs and events. Visit the City website at 2024B M to learn morer,,,�,,,_.
or
Signed in Iowa City, Iowa,
this 6th day of February 2024.
Item Number: 2.b.
CITY OF IOWA CITY
COUNCIL ACTION REPORT
February 6, 2024
Lunar New Year
Attachments: Lunar New Year proclamation
City of Iowa City
PROCLAMATION
.. &A%,&VfiJ, Lunar New Year originated in Asian countries more than 4,000 Y aLa ar., aLlU
is celebrated by billions of people across the world, including the United States, during
the first new moon of the calendar in February each year; and
Whereas, Lunar New Year is an official state holiday in California, Colorado, New
Jersey, New York, and there is an opportunity for other states to adopt this official state
holiday to recognize the culture and positive contributions of the Asian and Pacific
Islander communities; and
Whereas, Lunar New Year has been officially listed as a United Nations holiday in the
UN Calendar of Conferences and Meetings starting in 2024. It is celebrated by residents
from China, Vietnam, Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, and Mongolia, and millions
of worldwide, with community activities, cultural performances, and the reunification of
family and friends; and
Whereas, Lunar New Year is an opportunity for people to learn about AAPI cultures
and traditions, especially in light of the rise in hate crimes against the AAPI communities.
Now, Therefore, I, Bruce Teague, Mayor of Iowa City, do hereby proclaim the first
new moon of the calendar year on February 10, 2024 to be
Lunar New Year
in Iowa City and recognize the cultural and historical significance of Lunar New Year•,
the Year of the Dragon, and expresses our deepest appreciation for APAPA and Asian
American Pacific Islanders and all individuals who celebrate this significant occasion;
and wish Asian American Pacific Islanders and all individuals who observe this holiday a
happy and prosperous new year.
kV
��
or
Signed in Iowa City, Iowa,
this 6th day of February 2024.