Strafford News

Mayor Robert Carrier proclaimed February as Black History Month through a proclamation he read at the Feb. 8 City Council meeting. Carrier called upon Dover citizens to “observe this month with appropriate programs, activities and reflections and to continue our efforts to create a world that is more just, equitable and prosperous for all.”

The proclamation reads:

WHEREAS: Each year, the Dover City Council takes pride in recognizing February as Black History Month. This month is a time for honoring and exploring the culture and history of African Americans, as well as recognizing that our society’s rich diversity is one of our greatest strengths; and

WHEREAS: The origins of Black History Month date back to 1915 when Dr. Carter G. Woodson founded the organization known today as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History; and

WHEREAS: The 2023 theme, “Black Resistance,” acknowledges that African Americans have resisted historic and ongoing oppression in all forms. These efforts help to advocate for a dignified self-determined life in a just, democratic society; and

WHEREAS: By remaining resolute in their resistance, African Americans have helped to create progress, including the end of slavery, the dismantling of Jim Crow laws, political representation at the local, state and federal level, and passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; and

WHEREAS: Efforts by our African American citizens have been used as a model for many other citizens and groups who seek their full civil rights under the Constitution; and

WHEREAS: Recent deplorable events have reemphasized the mandate of the Black struggle and underscored the need for more than raised voices if we are to bring about the lasting institutional and societal change that is desperately needed in our country; and

WHEREAS: We encourage all people to recognize and confront these issues by standing in the gap at every opportunity, eliminating barriers with fearlessness and determination to empower Black people to promote and protect their health and wellness.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROBERT CARRIER, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF DOVER, NEW HAMPSHIRE, DO HEREBY RECOGNIZE THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY AS:

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

AND CALL UPON THE PEOPLE OF DOVER TO OBSERVE THIS MONTH WITH APPROPRIATE PROGRAMS, ACTIVITIES AND REFLECTIONS AND TO CONTINUE OUR EFFORTS TO CREATE A WORLD THAT IS MORE JUST, EQUITABLE AND PROSPEROUS FOR ALL.

This proclamation, along with all proclamations by the City Council, can be found online here: https://www.dover.nh.gov/government/boards-and-commissions/city-council/proclamationsand-awards/

Original source can be found here.