February-Black History MonthPROCLAMATION
WHEREAS: Black History Month is celebrated throughout the nation during the month of February;
and
WHEREAS: Black History Month is a time to honor our diverse ancestry and our hidden history of
civic, economic, professional, medical, and artistic achievements; and also serves as a reminder of the
challenges that face all people of color, and that the work to eliminate barriers based on prejudice is
ongoing; and
WHEREAS: Black Americans continue to make significant contributions to the growth of our nation:
in business and philanthropy; as ministers, doctors and nurses; as artists and musicians; as professors and
teachers; as lawyers and legislators; as soldiers and leading athletes. Black Americans have earned Olympic
Gold Medals; Medals of Honor, and as slaves, built the White House where the first Black President and his
family resided for the past eight years; and
WHEREAS: We continue to be inspired by the vision of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and by the
vision of local leaders such as former Seattle Mayor Norm Rice, Judge Theodore Spearman, Bishop
Lawrence Robertson, Lillian and James Walker; and
WHEREAS: Black History Month serves as a reminder of the challenges that face people of color
and other marginalized groups. There is still more to be done to ensure equality under the law and equal
opportunity; and
WHEREAS: Black History Month's theme for 2017 —"Healing Our Land, Healing Our History"-- is a
reminder to appreciate what connects us, regardless of color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation,
and disparate abilities. We move forward in the spirit of the Pledge of Allegiance — "with liberty and justice
for all."
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that I, Robert Putaansuu, Mayor of the City of Port Orchard, do hereby
proclaim February 2017 as:
Black History Month
in the City of Port Orchard, and urge its citizens to join me in this special observance.
Signed the 2nd day of February 2017
Robert Putaansuu, Mayor