OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
CITY OF CHICAGO
LORI E. LIGHTFOOT
MAYOR
February 1, 2023
TO THE HONORABLE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICAGO
Ladies and Gentlemen:
I transmit herewith, together with The Black Caucus, a resolution celebrating Black History Month.
Your favorable consideration ofthis resolution will be appreciated.
Very truly yours,
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, February is Black History Month, an annual celebration of the many achievements by African Americans and their central role in the history of the United States; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Carter G. Woodson, who, with the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, sponsored a national Negro History Week in 1926, choosing the second week of February to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass; and
WHEREAS, President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month in 1976, 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, Black History Month also encompasses National Freedom Day, which is February 1 and celebrates the anniversary of the approval of the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery in the United States in 1865; and
WHEREAS, As a result of slavery, segregation, systemic racism, and mass incarceration, the Black family has often been fractured, but not broken, as the love within communities has extended the familial bonds to support the family through oppression and other hard times; and
WHEREAS, We celebrate the countless Black Americans who have demonstrated profound moral courage and resilience to help shape our Nation for the better. Today, Black Americans lead industries and movements for change, serve our communities and our Nation at every level, and advance every field across the board, including arts and sciences, business and law, health and education, and many more; and
WHEREAS, Each year, Black History Month...
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