Office of the Mayor

Proclamation

Lawrence, Kansas

WHEREAS:   In the year 1619, a Dutch trading ship sailed into Chesapeake Bay and dropped anchor at Point Comfort, Virginia, marking the beginning of the unscrupulous slave trade in the American colonies; and

WHEREAS:   It was from this immoral origin, and through inhuman conditions, discrimination, and prolonged hardship, that emerged the vibrant culture, singular accomplishments, and groundbreaking triumphs that we honor and celebrate during National African American History Month; and

WHEREAS:   National African American History Month is an occasion to rediscover the enduring stories of African Americans and the gifts of freedom, purpose, and opportunity they have bestowed on future generations; and

WHEREAS:   This year’s theme, “Black Migrations,” highlights the challenges and successes of African Americans as they moved from farms in the agricultural South to centers of industry in the North, Midwest, and West, especially the migrations that occurred in the twentieth century; and

WHEREAS:   National African American History Month is a call to each and every citizen to reflect on the cultural, scientific, political, and economic contributions of African Americans, which are woven throughout American society.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Lisa Larsen, Mayor of the City of Lawrence, Kansas, do hereby proclaim the month of February 2019 as

national african american history month

in the City of Lawrence.

                                                          Lisa Larsen, Mayor

February 12, 2019