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County Council proclaims September 2025 as African Heritage Month and presents commemoration
Summary
The Montgomery County Council held its fourth annual African Heritage Month commemoration, presented a video featuring local African immigrant leaders, and issued a proclamation declaring September 2025 African Heritage Month.
On Sept. 16, 2025, the Montgomery County Council held a public commemoration and proclamation ceremony declaring September 2025 as African Heritage Month, its fourth annual observance. Council members and invited guests watched a video about local African immigrant leaders and presented proclamations to community members.
Council President (unnamed) opened the commemoration, noted Montgomery County was the first county in the nation to proclaim September as African Heritage Month, and recognized local representatives from U.S. Senator Van Hollen’s and Congressman Jamie Raskin’s offices, Delegate Will Wims, and county staff and liaisons. The council played a produced video titled “From the continent to the county: living the legacy,” which featured local leaders including multidisciplinary artist Dani Anasanya, Senegalese Association organizer Ben (surname in video), and Salama Witteferra, owner of Shaggar (Shager) Spring Ethiopian Cafe in Silver Spring.
Participants described the month as an opportunity to celebrate culture, community contributions and heritage; Council Vice President (unnamed) and other councilmembers spoke about the county’s large African immigrant population and the importance of official recognition. The council read a proclamation that highlights the county’s African population (noted in remarks as “over 16% of the immigrant population”) and circulated paper proclamations to honorees before moving to a reception.
The ceremonial portion concluded at the dais; the council recessed until 1:30 p.m. for public hearings.
