Black History Month Proclamation 2026D
CITY OF
BAINBRIDGE ISLAND
PROCLAMATION
A PROCLAMATION by the City Council of the City of Bainbridge Island, Washington, declaring
February 2026, as "Black History Month."
WHEREAS, the national celebration of Black History began in 1926 as a weeklong event created by
African American historian, scholar, educator, and publisher Carter G. Woodson, and it became an
annually observed commemorative month in February 1976; and
WHEREAS, the Black History Month 2026 theme, "A Century of Black History Commemorations"
marks this momentous I 00th anniversary by promoting, protecting, and preserving the legacy of African
American history and its impact on the modern world; and
WHEREAS, Black history is an integral part of American history, and Black History Month is a time to
honor the often-overlooked achievements of Black Americans; and
WHEREAS, Black History Month also serves as a reminder of the historical and present-day racism
that continues to oppress Black Americans, and that the work to eliminate _barriers based on racial bias
and prejudice is ongoing; and
WHEREAS, despite this ongoing structural racism born from the unconscionable legacy of
enslavement and legalized segregation, Black Americans continue to make significant contributions to the
growth of their families; and to the artistic, athletic, cultural, economic, educational, legislative, and
scientific fabric of our nation and our city; and
WHEREAS we encourage residents of Bainbridge Island to actively engage with and learn from Black
centered organizations such as the Kitsap Black Student Union; and Black-centered art such as the
"Truth and Memories" exhibit at BIMA, and to do so every month of the year.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Clarence Moriwaki, Mayor of the City of Bainbridge Island, Washington, on
behalf of the City Council, do hereby proclaim February 2026, as BLACK HISTORY MONTH in
the City of Bainbridge Island and encourage all Islanders to join us in this special observance.
SIGNED, this I 0th day of February, 2026.
Clarence Moriwaki, Mayor