WHEREAS: Black History Month is an annual celebration of Achievements by the Black community and a time for recognizing the central role of Black people in our history; and

WHEREAS: This observance affords a special opportunity to become more knowledgeable about Black heritage, and to honor the many Black leaders who have contributed to the progress of our community state, and nation; and

WHEREAS: During Black History Month, Town of Swampscott is committed to celebrating the many achievements and contributions made by Black peoples to Swampscott’s economic, cultural, spiritual, and political development: and

WHEREAS: After the Civil War, Exodusters migrated from the South and settled in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts; they brought with them the desire for economic opportunities, freedom from oppression and harassment, and freedom to create their own lives; these settlers played an important role in settling the State of Massachusetts and the Town of Swampscott, as well as the rest of the United States; and

WHEREAS: In 1915, Dr. Carter Godwin Woodson, noted Black scholar and son of former slaves, founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, which was later renamed the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH); and

WHEREAS: Dr. Woodson initiated Black History Week, February 12, 1926; and for many years, the second week of February, chosen so as to coincide with the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln, was celebrated by Black peoples in the United States, and

WHEREAS: In 1976, as part of the nation’s bicentennial, Black History Week was expanded and became established as Black History Month, and is now celebrated all over North America, Canada and Great Britain; and

WHEREAS: While the observance of Black History Month calls our Town’s attention to the continued need to battle racism and to build a society that lives up to it democratic ideals, this year’s celebrations and recognition of Black History Month are especially significant as we reflect on the historic challenges facing our community and our Nation at this time; and

WHEREAS: Black peoples have played significant roles and made lasting contributions to our Town’s history and the history of our economic, cultural, spiritual and political development, while working tirelessly to contribute to every aspect of American society including business, education, politics, science, and the arts; and

WHEREAS: The Town of Swampscott commits to doing everything in our power to demand that we all seek a greater understanding and implement changes to ensure that racism and the unjust treatment of any person is not tolerated in any way or form within the town of Swampscott.  

WHEREAS: The Town of Swampscott, continues to be anguished by the MURDER of George Floyd and it remains a shocking failure that many Black peoples, especially young Black men and women, are unfairly harassed and threatened and unjustly treated in our own community and country; and

WHEREAS:  Black History Month is a time for all Citizens of Swampscott to remember the contributions and legacy of those who helped build our nation, fought against prejudice to secure lives of dignity and opportunity for all of our citizens, advanced the cause of civil rights for all Americans, and strengthened our families and communities;

NOW, THEREFORE: we, the Town of Swampscott, do hereby proclaim February 2021 as Black History Month and Black History Year in Swampscott, Massachusetts and urge all our citizens to celebrate our diverse heritage and culture and continue our efforts to create a world that is more just, peaceful and prosperous for all.

In Witness Whereof, we have here unto set our hands and caused to be affixed the GREAT Seal of the Town of Swampscott, Massachusetts, this 3rd day of February, 2021.