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Long Branch proclaims February Black History Month; middle-school student frames systemic racism in school funding
Summary
The council issued a Black History Month proclamation and Long Branch Middle School student Salah Mohammed Baker delivered a speech highlighting systemic racism in education and urging action.
The Long Branch City Council on Feb. 12 issued a proclamation designating February as Black History Month and heard a student presentation from the Long Branch Public Schools.
Salah Mohammed Baker, a 13-year-old representative from Long Branch Middle School, told the council that systemic racism affects schools, neighborhoods and economic opportunities. “It's like an invisible wall that makes it harder for people like me to succeed,” Baker said, urging city leaders and educators to “help us fix this staircase” and “make schools equal.”
The council read a formal proclamation noting Black History Month’s origins and the city’s commitment to recognizing African American heritage and contributions. Mayor John Palone thanked the student and invited the public to a number of upcoming city events, including the grand reopening of the main library on Feb. 20 and the third annual Disability Resource Fair on May 3.
Council members thanked the student and the Long Branch Public Schools for participating in the meeting. Councilmember Dangler said the student “did a beautiful job,” and other council members voiced appreciation for the schools’ involvement in civic events.
The proclamation text and the student remarks were entered into the meeting record.
The mayor also noted the city’s “Hometown Heroes” banner program and encouraged residents to consult the city website for details.
