Good evening, everyone.

Welcome to the February 20th, 2024 meeting of the Davis City Council.

I'll let the record note it is 636, and uh my four colleagues are present, so we have a quorum.

With that, I will move um to a uh motion for approval of the agenda.

Second.

Thank you.

Um motion by Councilwoman Partita, second by Vice Mayor Vitla.

Uh, any other questions, comments, or concerns around the agenda.

Right, all in favor, please say aye.

Aye.

Opposed, abstain.

Motion carries 5-0.

Thank you.

With that, we're gonna move on to item number one, the ceremonial presentation, proclamation regarding recognizing February 2024 as Black History Month.

Proclamation recognizing February 2024 is Black History Month, whereas Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in United States history.

And whereas in 1926, Dr.

Carter G.

Woodson, a black author and historian, chose the second week in February to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass as a time to study the history of black Americans, which inspired schools and communities nationwide to establish history clubs and host performances and lectures.

And whereas the week-long event officially became Black History Month in 1976, when U.S.

President Gerald Ford extended the recognition to honor the two often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.

And whereas in 1986, Congress passed public law 99-244, designating February as Black History Month, and directed president to issue a proclamation calling on the people of the United States observed the month with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

And whereas each year, Black History Month has a theme, and for 2024, it is African Americans and the arts, exploring the influences African Americans have in the fields of visual and performing arts, literature, fashion, folklore, language, film, music, architecture, and other forms of cultural expression.

And whereas art is a powerful motivator and storyteller of people and their experiences, cementing their legacy and history in their local communities in the United States.

And whereas today and every day is a time to honor the influences and legacies of African Americans, from activists and civil rights civil rights pioneers to leaders in politics, science, arts, and more.

Now, therefore, we, the Davis City Council, on behalf of the citizens of Davis to hereby recognize and acknowledge the significant contributions made by African American people to our community and proclaim February 2024 to be recognized as Black History Month.

Accepting the proclamation recognizing February as Black History Month, the representatives from the Black Student Unions of the Davis Junior High and High School campuses, along with the Davis High High School Black Student Union Advisor Kamika Edwards Ava Bador.

Welcome.

Thank you.

Happy history month, everyone.

My name is Kamika Edwards Avogbeto.

Good try.

And I am uh advisor, co-advisor with Naomi Davis.

And uh we have been doing this for several years, uh, about this is my fourth or fifth year.

Um BSU stands for Black Student Union.

It's an extracurricular club that provides a safe space on school campuses for African diaspora students and allies to be together in fellowship, to learn together culturally, and uh to serve together civically.

I've been a member or been advising for about four to five years, and it is my honor and privilege to be here with you today to accept this Black History Month proclamation from the City of Davis.

Um did you know that in 1926, Carter G.

Woodson announced the very first Negro History Week in honor of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln's birthdays.

Um Abraham Lincoln on the 12th, and uh Frederick Douglass um uh on the on the Valentine's Day, but it's not sure because records weren't kept um on the enslaved, and so that's when he celebrates um his mom said like you're my love or my sweetheart or something related to Valentine's Day.

So that's when we celebrate Frederick Douglass Day, his birthday, and now every February since 1976, we celebrate the contributions and achievements of African Americans who have left an indelible mark on their respective communities and society as a whole.

Former U.S.

President President Ronald Reagan is quoted as saying understanding the history of black Americans is a way to understand the strength of our nation.

So thank you to all of you in this place who, like me, believe Black History is American history and deserves just as much attention and focus.

Thank you to Davis City Council for recognizing the significance of this month and for continuing to implement city policies that build up the Black community so we can continue to make contributions to our city.

And finally, thank you to the community relations program manager, Carrie Dyer, for the invitation and opportunity to celebrate with you and to receive this very important proclamation.

I'll end with the Black National Anthem.

Well, not sing it.

I received.

But it says it's by written by James Weldon Johnson, and it's called Lift Every Voice and Sing.

Um Lift Every Voice and Sing, Till Earth and Heaven Ring.

Ring with the Harmonies of Liberty.

Let our rejoicing rise, high as the listening skies, let it resound.

Loud as the rolling sea.

Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us.

Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us.

Facing the rising sun of our new day begun, let us march on until victory is won.

I encourage all of you to continue listening to, learning from, and loving on each other, this Black History Month and every day.

So thank you and have a good night.

Thank you, Kamika.

Thank you.