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CO U N T Y M I C H I G AN
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
February 3, 2022
MISCELLANEOUS RESOLUTION #22-033
Sponsored By: Janet Jackson, Angela Powell
IN RE: Board of Commissioners - Resolution Designating February 2022 as Black History Month in
Oakland County
Chairperson and Members of the Board:
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 Black 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 Black
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 Black
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 Black 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 Black Americans by designating February 2022
as Black 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, the following Commissioners are sponsoring the foregoing Resolution: Janet Jackson, Angela
Powell.
"id Date: February 11, 2022
David Woodward, Commissioner
} . .
Date: February 11, 2022
Davi,! Coulter, Oakland County Executive
Date: February 14, 2022
Lisa Brown, County Clerk / Register of Deeds
COMMITTEE TRACKING
2022-01-25 Legislative Affairs & Government Operations - recommend to Board
2022-02-03 Full Board
VOTE TRACKING
Motioned by Commissioner Yolanda Smith Charles seconded by Commissioner Chuck Moss to amendment the
attached Resolution: Designating February 2022 as Black History Month in Oakland County.
Yes: David Woodward, Michael Gingell, Michael Spisz, Karen Joliat, Kristen Nelson, Eileen Kowall,
Christine Long, Philip Weipert, Gwen Markham, Angela Powell, Thomas Kuhn, Chuck Moss, Marcia
Gershenson, William Miller IH, Yolanda Smith Charles, Charles Cavell, Penny Luebs, Janet Jackson, Gary
McGillivray, Robert Hoffman (20)
No: None (0)
Abstain: None (0)
Absent: (0)
The Motion Passed.
ATTACHMENTS
None
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 3, 2022,
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 on Thursday, February 3, 2022.
Lisa Brown, Oakland County Clerk/Register of Deeds