Fiscal Note
No fiscal impact.
Title
Celebrating February 2024 as Black History Month in the City of Madison
Body
WHEREAS, to commemorate and celebrate the contributions to our nation made by people of African descent, American historian Carter G. Woodson established Black History Week nearly a century ago; and,
WHEREAS, the event was first celebrated during the second week of February 1926 and subsequently expanded to a month in 1976 during the nation’s bicentennial; and,
WHEREAS, Black History Month is an opportunity to reflect on the complex history of the United States, while remaining hopeful and confident about the path ahead; and,
WHEREAS, African Americans continue to serve our city, state and the United States at the highest levels of business, government, non-governmental agencies and the military; and,
WHEREAS, the theme of Black History Month for 2024 is “African Americans and the Arts”, celebrating and focusing on the ways “African American artists have used art to preserve history and community memory as well as for empowerment”; and,
WHEREAS, this year’s theme of African Americans and the Arts explores how “In the fields of visual and performing arts, literature, fashion, folklore, language, film, music, architecture, culinary and other forms of cultural expression, the African American influence has been paramount”; and,
WHEREAS, “for centuries Western intellectuals denied or minimized the contributions of people of African descent to the arts as well as history, even as their artistry in many genres was mimicked and/or stolen”; and,
WHEREAS, despite these efforts to silence and appropriate their art, “artistic and cultural movements such as the New Negro, Black Arts, Black Renaissance, hip-hop, and Afrofuturism, have been led by people of African descent and set the standard for popular trends around the world”; and,
WHEREAS, it is imperative that, in order to truly be an inclusive and welcoming place, all Madisonians learn about and support the work of Black artists past and present throughout the city and beyond;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and Madison Common Council recognize and celebrate February 2024 as Black History Month in Madison and around the United States.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that City of Madison acknowledges the significance of Black History Month as an important opportunity to commemorate the tremendous contributions of African Americans to the history of Madison and the United States and encourages public officials, businesses, educators, community, and all Madisonian to observe this month with relevant programs, ceremonies, and activities.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City encourages the celebration of this month by inviting all Madisonians to learn more about African Americans and the Arts to better understand, appreciate, support, and center the varied and rich histories and experiences of Black Americans and how they have shaped our nation.
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that understanding, appreciating, and celebrating the diverse histories and experiences of Black Americans does not stop at the end of Black History Month and urges Madisonians to learn about and appreciate the rich heritage and contributions of African Americans throughout the year.