DPCCC membership approved the following resolution at the January 20, 2022 regular meeting.
WHEREAS, Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements of Black Americans and a time for recognizing the central role of Black people in U.S. history; and
WHEREAS, Black History Month grew out of the establishment, in 1926, of Negro History Week by Carter G. Woodson as well as other prominent Black Americans in U.S. history; and
WHEREAS, since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month; and
WHEREAS, the lack of observance of Black History Month by certain people and/or entities calls our attention to the fact that it is long past time to confront deep racial inequities and systemic racism that continue to plague Contra Costa County and our nation; and
WHEREAS, the tragic deaths of Black Americans at the hands of police and the continuing pandemic, that has further ripped a path of devastation through every community in Contra Costa County, but where we see its acute effect especially among people of color, including Black Americans who are dying, losing jobs, and closing businesses at disproportionate rates in the multi-crises of the pandemic and the economy; and
WHEREAS, as we strive to fully live up to the founding principles of this County Democratic Party – that all people are created equal and have the right to be treated equally throughout their lives – we commit to the goal of having a Central Committee that looks like America – one that reflects the full talents and diversity of the American people; and
WHEREAS, Contra Costa County is home to 26 Black elected officials, including: Tony Thurmond, State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Diana Becton, the first Black woman to serve as Contra Costa County District Attorney, and additional Black elected officials, 9 in District 1, 5 in District 3, 2 in District 4, and 8 in District 5; and
WHEREAS, today the Democratic Party of Contra Costa County has 10 Black American party leaders who are publicly elected members, club representatives, and/or California Democratic Party Executive Board members, directly paving the way for greater diversity and Black representation within the Democratic Party;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Leadership of the Democratic Party of Contra Costa County hereby proclaims February 2022 as Black History Month and encourages all constituents to join us in celebrating this special month; and
THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we call on the Democrats of Contra Costa County to honor the history and achievements of Black Americans and to reflect on the centuries of struggle and progress that have brought us to this time of reckoning, redemption, and hope.