Page 47 - BHM Program 2021

Did you know that in 1926, Carter G. Woodson, who was a historian
and educator, launched "Negro History Week," which led to Black

History Month? Woodson chose the second week in February,
because Frederick Douglass' birthday is February 14th and Abraham
Lincoln's birthday is February 12th. Woodson said, "If race has no
history, it has no worthwhile tradition, it becomes a negligible factor in
the thought of the world, and it stands in danger of being
exterminated."

Now we celebrate Black History Month, or sometimes called African
American History Month. Every February, we remember important
African Americans in history and historical events that were created by
African Americans.

I look forward to Black History Month, because I am eager to learn
more about our roots. It allows everyone of all ages and races to
know more about African Americans past and present. We are able to
learn about how African Americans have made great strides and
major contributions to the building of our country. Learning more about
Black History is especially good for students of all races, because it
can help end racism and help fight xenophobic views.

Among the most recent major achievements, in 2019, Reynoldsburg
elected three African American women to the City Council for the first
time in the city's history. In 2020, Reynoldsburg City Council passed
an anti-discrimination city ordinance prohibiting discriminatory
practices in employment, housing, and public accommodation. The

CROWN Act resolution was added to the Anti-Discrimination
Ordinance, adding natural hair styles and/or texture as part of a
protected class. A resolution declaring racism as a public health crisis
was due to COVID-19 highlighting the effects of the health divide
between Black and White Ohioans.

Reynoldsburg's Mayor issued a proclamation recognizing Juneteenth,

and the city held its first Juneteenth celebration. Juneteenth is a
holiday celebrating the emancipation of those who had been enslaved
in the U.S.

We have come a mighty long way, but we still have a ways to go to
achieve racial and economic equality in this country.

Angie Jenkins
President of Reynoldsburg City Council 47