HomeMy WebLinkAboutProclamation - National African American Month
PROCLAMATION
February 2019
“National African American History Month”
WHEREAS: the Kittitas County Board of Commissioners takes pride in recognizing February 2019 as National
African American History Month, celebrating the many contributions that people of African ancestry have made
throughout our nation’s history; and
WHEREAS: the theme “Black Migrations” focuses specifically on people of African heritage traveling from the
agricultural South to communities across the United States, which occurred primarily in the twentieth century; and
WHEREAS: African Americans have contributed greatly to communities in Kittitas County and across the United
States of America many of whom lived through segregation, racial prejudice, discrimination; and
WHEREAS: Black Migrations have contributed to economic, political and social achievements and have helped to create
strong communities; and
WHEREAS: Kittitas County would like to specifically recognize the heroes, leaders, and athletes of African descent
who made a lasting contribution to our community; and
WHEREAS: These individuals include but are not limited to:
• William Craven, on June 10, 1975 became Washington State’s first African American Mayor.
• Ivory Nelson, in 1992 became Central Washington University’s first African American President.
• Tom Craven, Wildland Firefighter and Squad Boss lost his life in the Thirtymile Fire after 12 years of service in
USFS.
• Ja'Warren Hooker made the 2000 Olympic relay team and is a former University of Washington football
player.
• Jimmy Claxton, a Roslyn resident was the first African American player in organized baseball in the 20th century.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that on this 19th day of February, 2019, the Kittitas County Board of
Commissioners does hereby proclaim February 2019, as National African American History Month in Kittitas County.
ADOPTED this 19th day of February, 2019.
THE KITTITAS COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Cory Wright, Chairman
Brett Wachsmith, Vice-Chairman
Laura Osiadacz, Commissioner
ATTEST:
Julie Kjorsvik, Clerk of the Board