During the first meeting of February, the month nationally designated as Black History Month, the Town of Friday Harbor Council voted to proclaim February 2023 African American History Month.

“In light of [the fact that February is African American History Month] I would like to proclaim it as African American History Month for the town,” Mayor Ray Jackson said at the beginning of the Feb. 2 regular meeting. He continued to read the full proclamation in full:

“WHEREAS, during African American History Month, we celebrate the many achievements and contributions made by African Americans to our economic, cultural, spiritual and political development, as well as to pay homage to the millions of enslaved Africans who died during the Transatlantic Slave Trade; and

WHEREAS, in 1926, Carter G. Woodson and Minister Jesse E. Moorland laid the foundation for Black History Month realizing the achievements of African Americans were all but erased from national history and underrepresented in important policy decisions; and

WHEREAS, in 1976, President Gerald Ford made Black History Month a national observance, coinciding with the birthdays of both Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. This observance inspired schools and communities nationwide to organize historical foundations and associations promoting local celebrations, performances and lectures; and

WHEREAS, the observance of Black History Month is an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of our country’s history, as well as a time to recognize centuries of struggles in the name of equality and freedom, and

WHEREAS, the observance of Black History Month focuses our community’s attention on the continued need to battle racial ignorance, there exists no race of people respectfully identified by the color of their skin. For this reason, and in the spirit of promoting inclusion, education, understanding and most especially – social awareness;

NOW THEREFORE, proclaim the month of February 2023 as African American History Month in the Town of Friday Harbor and encourage everyone to observe this month by acknowledging the history and achievements of which there are many. I am proud that our citizens – past, present, and future – are respected and recognized for their contributions and potential contributions to our community.”