COCONINO COUNTY — At the February 6, 2024 meeting of the Coconino County Board of Supervisors (Board), the Board unanimously approved an official proclamation designating February 2024 as Black History Month in Coconino County …
… joining in the nationwide celebration and recognition of the history of the African Diaspora and African Americans who continue to be contributors to the achievements of the United States.
In designating February as Black History Month, the Board is committed to remember the courage, resilience, and teachings of those who helped build our nation and for those who continue to strive to fight for freedoms, stand against prejudice, advance the cause of civil rights, and strengthen families and communities.
“We appreciate the opportunity to recognize the great contributions from African Americans not only to American society, but also to the county’s local history like those who relocated here for jobs in the lumber industry and helped develop towns like Flagstaff into modern communities,” said Jeronimo Vasquez, Chair of the Board and Supervisor for District 2. “It is extremely important that we take this time to acknowledge our county’s diversity and continue to learn about all parts of our history.”
The tradition of honoring African American history in the month of February dates back to 1926 when the Association for the Study of African American Life and History sponsored a national “Negro History Week.” The second week of February was chosen to coincide with the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln, and officially became Black History Month in 1976.
To encourage local youth to learn about African American history and to exercise their creative expression, Coconino County’s African Diaspora Advisory Council is holding an essay and art contest for students in grades K-12. Submissions will center around the theme of “African Americans & the Arts” and are due by Sunday, February 25.
Coconino County’s African Diaspora Advisory Council was created in 2001 by the Board and serves as a liaison and communication link between the African American community of Coconino County and their local government. The council meets every second Wednesday each month via Zoom; agendas and links to stream monthly public meetings can be found at www.coconino.az.gov/adac.
The full text of the 2024 Proclamation can be found here: https://coconino.az.gov/DocumentCenter/View/61702/Black-History-Month-2024