African-American History Month

“Negro History Week” was founded by Dr. Carter Godwin Woodson in 1926 and became Black History Month in 1976. Black History Month is an annual celebration in February of the triumphs of and achievements by African Americans. At the request of Hazel Wilson of the Vallejo NAACP, here are some highlights of a version that will be adopted by the VCUSD Board of Education and the Vallejo City Council in February:

WHEREAS, Through bravery, perseverance, faith, and resolve against incredible prejudice, hardships, and odds, African Americans have enriched and advanced every aspect of American life; and their fight for equality, representation, and respect motivates every soul to strive for a more promising, peaceful, and hopeful future; and

WHEREAS, During African-American History Month, we honor the extraordinary contributions made by African Americans throughout the history of our great nation, and we renew our commitment to liberty and justice for all; and

WHEREAS, The 2020 theme of “African Americans and the Vote” coincides with the 150th anniversary of the 15th Amendment to our Constitution which gave African-American men the right to vote and prohibits our government from denying or abridging a citizen’s right to vote based on “race, color, or previous condition of servitude;” and today, this guarantee is enforced primarily by the Voting Rights

Act of 1965, an enduring legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and the Civil Rights movement; and

WHEREAS, This year also marks the 150th anniversary of the first African-American Senator. Hiram Revels, to serve in Congress in 1870; and in the City of Vallejo, we have elected Mayor Osby Davis, Councilmembers Lewis Brown, Foster Hicks, Pam Pitts, and Hakeem Brown, and VCUSD Trustees Jesse Bethel, Jessica Mack-Viera, Hank Elliott, Annie Collins, Joe Jones, Hazel Wilson, Ward “Ace” Stewart and Tony Gross; and

WHEREAS, Our historic and beautiful city is continually strengthened and enhanced by citizens of every race, religion, color, and creed; and this month, we celebrate the cultural heritage, diverse contributions, and unbreakable spirit of African Americans. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Vallejo Unified School District Governing Board acknowledges February as “African-American History Month” with the 2020 theme of “African Americans and the Vote,” and we urge all educators and staff to commemorate this occasion with appropriate instructional activities, and we encourage all students and citizens to participate in ceremonies and programs that pay tribute to African-American history because education and action are our strongest tools in the pipeline to prosperity which will lead to a brighter future for our community and all of America.

— Nestor Aliga/Volunteer