Title
Recognizing Black History Month 2019.
Body
WHEREAS, Black History is our United States history. In 2019, the City of Saint Paul recognizes the dire need for accurate portrayals of the influential contributions made from Black communities; in our schools, our literature, in our production of knowledge, and in our own chamber walls;
WHEREAS, The City of Saint Paul cannot accept a singular mainstream narrative of history in our multicultural society and must move away from narratives that don't acknowledge uncomfortable truths and devalue the lives and minds of Black communities;
WHEREAS, When the City of Saint Paul honors the courageous namesakes of the abolitionist movement and the bold bravery of civil rights leaders, the city must also honor the steady progress of Black Americans pushed forward by more modern movements like Black Lives Matter, that continues because of everyday activists;
WHEREAS, Black History Month is an opportunity to raise up Black voices, stories, minds, and lives. Black History Month is an opportunity to own and acknowledge that the progress of Saint Paul and our country, has been both at the cost of and because of our Black communities;
WHEREAS, The City of Saint Paul commits itself to understand the contributions of extraordinary Black communities who have given their collective efforts, energy, and spirit to breaking down barriers and striving to create a city that ensures equal opportunity, economic security and civil rights for all;
WHEREAS, Black History should never be isolated to just the month of February;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Saint Paul City Council recognizes February 2019 as Black History Month;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Saint Paul City Council encourages all residents to join in recognizing the contributions and achievements of the extraordinary individuals whose work toward emancipation, justice and civil rights will encourage future generations in Saint Paul.