CITY OF CHARLOTTESVILLE PROCLAMATION BLACK HISTORY MONTH 2023 WHEREAS, February has been set aside nationally as a time to remember and learn about the contributions of Black Americans to the formation of our country; and WHEREAS, during February we bring focus to the stories of Black Americans who have helped build our Nation and our City, who have advanced the cause of freedom and civil rights, and who have strengthened our families and our community; and WHEREAS, when we examine our Nation's history and the history of Charlottesville, which continues to be written, we discover countless stories that inspire us – stories of the triumph of the human spirit; the triumph over cruelty rooted in ignorance, prejudice and bigotry; and the triumph of everyday people rising above seemingly insurmountable circumstances to achieve greatly; and WHEREAS, we commit to work with intention to address past injustices that have hurt the Black community – racist laws, policies and practices that were intended to displace, intimidate and financially harm Black citizens. We acknowledge our collective responsibility to break down barriers to equity and inclusion; and WHEREAS, as we celebrate Black History Month, we teach our children, our neighbors, and all Americans to rise above complacency and to be champions for human dignity, fairness, equity and equality; and WHEREAS, we take this time to rededicate ourselves to affirming the promise of the Declaration of Independence, “that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness”; and WHEREAS, in the City of Charlottesville we resolve to teach the true history of all our people, in both our public schools and our public spaces; and WHEREAS, Black lives do matter in Charlottesville, Virginia. Black people are valued and vital members of the community; Black culture is woven into the fabric of the community; and we work to attract, welcome and retain a diverse population; NOW THEREFORE, We, the City Council of the City of Charlottesville, Virginia, hereby proclaim February as BLACK HISTORY MONTH. We call on the people of Charlottesville to join us in learning about and honoring Black achievement and the Black experience in our community and throughout the country, and we encourage support of Black History Month programs. Signed and sealed this 6th day of February 2023. ________________________ J. Lloyd Snook, III, Mayor