HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolutions - 2020.02.04 - 34133MISCELLANEOUS RESOLUTION #21032 February 4, 2021
BY: Commissioners Janet Jackson, District #21 and Angela Powell, District #10
IN RE: BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS — DESIGNATION OF FEBRUARY 2021 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 battlefields 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 forebears' 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; and
WHEREAS this year marks the 45th 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 and reflects the continuation of America's democracy; and
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 2021 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 ended."
Chairperson, I move the adoption foregoing resolution.
C mi;sioner Janet ckson Commissioner A�ela Powell
District # 21 District # 10
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LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS COMMITTEE VOTE:
Motion carried on a roll call vote with Kochenderfer absent.
Resolution #21032
February 4, 2021
Moved by Gingell seconded by Nelson the resolutions on the amended Consent Agenda be adopted.
AYES: Cavell, Charles, Gershenson, Gingell, Hoffman, Jackson, Joliat, Kochenderfer, Kowall,
Kuhn, Long, Luebs, Markham, McGillivray, Miller, Moss, Nelson, Powell, Spisz, Weipert,
Woodward. (21)
NAYS: None. (0)
A sufficient majority having voted in favor, the resolutions on the amended Consent Agenda were adopted.
HEREBY APPROVE THE FOREGOING RESOLUTIC
STATE OF MICHIGAN)
COUNTY OF OAKLAND)
I, Lisa Brown, Clerk of the County of Oakland, do hereby certify that the foregoing resolution is a true and
accurate copy of a resolution adopted by the Oakland County Board of Commissioners on February 4,
2021, with the original record thereof now remaining in my office.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the Circuit Court at Pontiac,
Michigan this 4th day of February 4, 2021.
Lisa Brown, Oakland County