Salt Lake City

Mayor's Office of Equity & Inclusion

Mayor Mendenhall joins the Salt Lake City Council to recognize February as Black History Month in SLC in joint resolution

WHEREAS, Black History Month is a time to celebrate the far-reaching contributions made by Black Americans throughout our country’s history, that have shaped our nation and our city for the better; and

WHEREAS, the origin of Black History Month can be traced back to 1926 when Dr. Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, which he co-founded, declared the second week of February “Negro History Week;” and

WHEREAS, expanding upon the work of Dr. Carter G. Woodson, Black History Month was first proposed by Black educators, students, and the Black United Students group at Kent State University in 1969; and

WHEREAS,  In 1970, the first celebration of Black History Month took place at Kent State and six years later, in 1976, was recognized by President Gerald Ford urging Americans to “honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history;” and

WHEREAS,  contributions by Black Americans have influenced all facets of society, from culture to religion, from education to business and public service, and more; and 

WHEREAS,  it is our honor to acknowledge and celebrate the heritage, perseverance, and achievements of Black Americans in our nation’s history. We acknowledge their struggle as an American struggle and at its core reflects upon our society; and 

WHEREAS,  while we celebrate and recognize Black leaders, inventors, artists, musicians, and creators on a national level such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, George Washington Carver, Jackie Robinson, Billie Holiday, and many more, we also acknowledge those locally who have contributed to the rich history of our community in Salt Lake City and Utah; and

WHEREAS, in Salt Lake City and Utah, we have many heroes to look up to and learn from. From trailblazers of the past like Shirley and Carl Kinsey and Bettye Gillespie, to advocates of today, such as:

  • Rev. France Davis (civil rights activist and Reverend of Calvary Baptist Church, retired),
  • Jeanetta Williams (President of the SLC and Utah NAACP),
  • Rep. Sandra Hollins (first Black woman elected to serve in the Utah State Legislature),
  • Dr. Kathleen Christy (retired educator and Assistant Superintendent, SLC School District),
  • Betty Sawyer (Founder of Utah Juneteenth and Project Success Coalition),
  • Alberta Henry (education advocate and former SLC NAACP president),
  • Dr. Charles Nabors (first Black faculty member at the University of Utah and Assistant Dean, Minority Affairs in the U of U College of Medicine),
  • Jeffrey Thomas (Utah’s first Black fire captain and battalion chief, SLC Fire department, retired),
  • Honorable Judge Tyrone Medley (Utah’s first Black judge),
  • Dianne Heshlep (educator/administrator/member of Soul-on-Snow Ski Club) and Ruth Wooden (Deer Valley Ski Instructor/member of Soul-on-Snow Ski Club)  

 as well as the luminaries of the future.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED,

that Salt Lake City recognizes the month of February as Black History Month and the importance of Black History Month as an opportunity to reflect on the complex history of the United States, while remaining hopeful and confident about the path ahead.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED

that the Salt Lake City Council and Mayor of Salt Lake City remain dedicated to dismantling racial inequality while advancing equity and justice to all. 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED

that Salt Lake City is committed to continuing the progress made throughout Black history, but also to ensure a positive Black future. We create history every day, and if we work together to make our today better than yesterday, our tomorrow will only be that much brighter.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED

the theme for Black History Month 2023 is “Black Resistance.” We have the opportunity and responsibility to not only reflect on the obstacles overcome but to also make the present a time where Black Americans equitably excel and thrive.

Adopted this 21st day of February 2023

To view an electronic copy of the signed resolution click here.

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