HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolutions - 2016.01.20 - 22180option of the foregoing resolution.
TrinThissioner David BoWillan
District #10
MISCELLANEOUS RESOLUTION #16014
BY: Commissioner David Bowman, District #10
IN RE: BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS – DESIGNATION OF FEBRUARY 2016 AS AFRICAN AMERICAN
HISTORY MONTH IN OAKLAND COUNTY
To the Oakland County Board of Commissioners
Chairperson, Ladies and Gentlemen:
WHEREAS the dream of freedom and equality is forever intertwined into the American Dream. It is a dream that,
today, is sustained because of the hope and painstaking efforts of Americans who fanned the flames of fairness that
has been woven into the fabric of our Nation -- the everlasting universal values of democracy -- caring, fairness,
citizenship, respect, responsibility, and trust; and
WHEREAS the history of African Americans unfolds across the canvas of America, beginning before the arrival of the
Mayflower and continuing to the present; and
WHEREAS from port cities where Africans disembarked from slave ships to the battle fields where their descendants
fought for freedom, from the colleges and universities where they pursued education to places where they created
communities during centuries of migration, the imprint of Americans of African descent is deeply embedded in the
narrative of the American past; and
WHEREAS the story of America cannot be told without preserving and reflecting on the places where African
Americans have made history: the Kingsley Plantation, DuSable's home site, the numerous stops along the
Underground Railroad, Seneca Village, Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church and Frederick Douglass' home, as well as, the
home of the father of black history, Dr. Carter G. Woodson — to name just a few— are sites that keep alive the
eighteenth and nineteenth centuries in our consciousness and prompt us to remember and over time became
hallowed grounds; and
WHEREAS these landmarks retain and refresh the memories of our forbears' struggles for freedom and justice, and
their belief in God's grace and mercy. Similarly, the hallowed grounds of Mary McLeod Bethune's home in
Washington, D.C., 125th Street in Harlem, Beale Street in Memphis, and Sweet Auburn Avenue in Atlanta tell the
story of our struggle for equal citizenship during the American century; and
WHEREAS our American history is enriched and enlightened due to the inclusion and contributions of African
Americans who were pivotal in the struggle for civil rights in America and equality of all humanity across the world;
and
WHEREAS we remember the sacrifice of African Americans who bravely served their country in all of our country's
wars, dating back to the Revolutionary War until the present day, to protect and preserve freedom around the world;
and
WHEREAS we celebrate the symbolism of America's democracy and the ability of its people to stand up for justice,
equality, equal employment opportunities, equal protection under the law, along with social, economic and legal
justice.
WHEREAS this year marks the 40th anniversary of the passage of Michigan's Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act which
prohibits discrimination on the basis of "religion, race, color, national origin, age, sex, height, weight, familial status, or
marital status" in employment, housing, education, and access to public accommodations reflects the continuation of
America's democracy.
WHEREAS as we reflect on the many sacrifices made and milestones reached in our nation's struggle to eliminate
legal and political inequality for all Americans, regardless of race, we recognize that this important work continues and
that it is the responsibility of all citizens to be vigilant in combating discrimination wherever it exists.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Oakland County Board of Commissioners does hereby commemorate
the contributions, sacrifices and achievements of African Americans by designating February 2016 as African
American History Month in Oakland County.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we honor and continue to learn the lessons of history to make our country a more
perfect union, while continuing to create and help manifest a reality for all people for full inclusion and human dignity.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that as we reflect, remember and are guided by the words of Nelson Mandela, "I have
walked that long road to freedom. I have tried not to falter; I have made missteps along the way. But I have discovered
the secret that after climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb. I have taken a moment
here to rest, to steal a view of the glorious vista that surrounds me, to look back on the distance I have come. But I
can only rest for a moment, for with freedom come responsibilities, and I dare not linger, for my long walk is not
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Resolution #16014 January 20, 2016
The Chairperson referred the resolution to the General Government Committee. There were no
objections.