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Black History Month <br />February 2026 <br />WHEREAS, over 400 years ago the first African Americans arrived in the United States, forever changing <br />the course of our country; the legacy of this event affects us all, and understanding the complex history of <br />race in America helps us to come together as Americans; and <br />WHEREAS, the first event was celebrated during a week in February 1926, encompassing the birthdays <br />of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, two key figures in African-American history, and in 1976 the <br />week-long celebration was extended to the entire month of February; and <br />WHEREAS, Black History Month also creates a specific opportunity for all people in Redwood City to <br />reflect on and celebrate the historic and current accomplishments of African American people, both <br />nationally and locally; and <br />WHEREAS, African-Americans helped develop our nation in countless ways, those recognized, <br />unrecognized, and unrecorded; and <br />WHEREAS, the City of Redwood City believes every person has the freedom to feel valued and respected, <br />and condemns racism in rhetoric or action; and <br />WHEREAS, the City of Redwood City aims to advance racial equity through mindful governance practices, <br />reviewing policies to consider their impacts on community members; and <br />WHEREAS, on August 10, 2020 the City Council adopted a resolution declaring that Black Lives Matter, <br />acknowledging the ongoing reality of racial inequity and reaffirming the City's commitment to racial <br />equity; and <br />WHEREAS, on October 12, 2020 the City Council further committed to anti -racist action by adding Equity <br />as a Strategic Plan Guiding Principle, affirming that Redwood City will put equity first and urging a <br />collective restart so that policies serve the entire community; and <br />WHEREAS, the City of Redwood City remains committed to taking tangible steps to normalize, organize, <br />and operationalize equity principles and tools, with an eye toward impactful and sustainable outcomes that <br />create a more equitable community. <br />NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT I, ELMER MARTINEZ SABALL OS, MAYOR OF <br />REDWOOD CITY, on behalf of the City Council and the people of the City of Redwood City, do hereby <br />proclaim the month of February, in 2026 and each year thereafter, as BLACK HISTORY MONTH in <br />Redwood City and encourage all residents to observe this month in honor of the history made by Black <br />Americans and continue our efforts to create a community that is more just, peaceful and prosperous for <br />all. <br />Date: February 9, 2026 <br />'mer Martinez Saball-, Mayor <br />Kaia Fah+ , Vice Mayor <br />Isabella Chu, Cmmcil Member <br />Jgg'Oev, Co+mcil Member <br />Diane Howard, Council Mambar <br />Marcella Padilla, Council Mambar <br />9+riz 'cert vu. Cmu+cil Member <br />