Learning Black History

News Article
Geometric patterns in red, green, and gold on a black field. Text reads, "Black History Month, February."
Honoring Black History Month 2023
Published
February is Black History Month, dedicated to acknowledging the struggles of Black people worldwide and celebrating important people and events in the global fight for racial equity and justice. However, education and the teaching of Black History are being challenged with oppressive calls to ban books in children's classrooms and African American Studies courses from college campuses.

So, here are some resources honoring Black History and the freedom to learn about it:

"The Black voice refuses to be silenced. As a people we will continue to rise, evolve, and elevate to higher heights and levels with no regard for the literal and figurative hurdles that have been set before us for generations. Our truth and voices cannot be muted; our voices are powerful, influential, and encouraging, and our truth writes the real narrative of the Black experience," an excerpt from the February 2023 Black History Month proclamation by the City African American Network.

The theme of this year’s Black History Month proclamation is “Black Resistance.” Watch the Feb. 8 Portland City Council proclamation to declare February 2023 as Black History Month.

What is a Proclamation?
City proclamations are a way for City leadership to recognize community-identified issues and advocacy. They are a starting point and an opportunity for Portlanders to hold the Mayor and Commissioners accountable to following proclamations with actions that create real change and support for our communities. Learn more about the proclamation process.