Number
191712
Version
SUBSTITUTE 2
Reference
161528
Sponsor
ALD. COGGS, HAMILTON, JOHNSON, RAINEY, LEWIS, STAMPER, AND DODD
Title
Substitute resolution designating the observation of Black History Month to be an official City event held annually.
Analysis
This substitute resolution designates the observation of Black History month as an official City event held annually and authorizes acceptance and expenditure of contributions for all activities related to the event.
Body
Whereas, Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing the central role of blacks in U.S. history; and
Whereas, Historically, Black History Month grew out of the 1925 Negro History Week originated by Harvard historian Carter G. Woodson’s Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, which was first celebrated during a week in February, 1926, that encompassed the birthdays of both Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass; and
Whereas, The success of Negro History Week led to several black history clubs, teachers demanding materials for instructing their students, and scholars stepping forward to endorse the event; and
Whereas, By the1950s, mayors of cities nationwide issued proclamations recognizing Negro History Week; and
Whereas, In 1976, the celebration was expanded to the full month of February, and President Gerald R. Ford urged Americans 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 has expanded beyond the United States and is now officially recognized in Canada and is unofficially observed in Ireland, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom; and
Whereas, Organizations that join in paying tribute to the generations of African Americans who struggled with adversity and nevertheless made significant contributions to society include the Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, and historically black colleges and universities; and
Whereas, The City of Milwaukee is home to countless African Americans who have made significant contributions to the community and nation; and
Whereas, The City Clerk’s Office anticipates receiving up to $100,000 in contributions from various individuals and organizations to support Black History Month; and
Whereas, Common Council Resolution File Number 161528 was passed March 1, 2017, authorizing acceptance of contributions by the Office of the City Clerk for Milwaukee’s celebration of Black History Month; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, By the Common Council of the City of Milwaukee, that the month of February shall be recognized as Black History Month and designated as an official City event held annually; and, be it
Further Resolved, That City departments are directed to assist as necessary to make Black History Month a successful event; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the City Clerk’s Office is authorized to accept up to $100,000 in contributions to support Black History Month; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the City Comptroller is directed to transfer appropriations and estimated revenues from the Special Purpose Account-Contributions, Account Number 0001-2110-0001-D001-006300, and the Estimated Revenue Account for Contributions, Account Number 0001-2110-0001-009850 to the City Clerk’s Special Account 0001-1310-006300-D137, and the Office of the City Clerk’s Estimated Revenue Account, Account Number 0001-1310-0001-985094, up to the amount of $100,000.
Requestor
Drafter
LRB175873-3
Tea Norfolk
2/20/2020