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King County Council proclaims February 2025 Black History Month; Kent organizer accepts proclamation
Summary
The Metropolitan King County Council on Feb. 11 proclaimed February 2025 as Black History Month in King County.
The Metropolitan King County Council on Feb. 11 proclaimed February 2025 as Black History Month in King County. Councilmember Deshaun Quinn read the proclamation, which was signed by the nine councilmembers, and presented it to Gwen Allen Karsten, executive director of the Kent Black Action Commission.
The proclamation traced the observance back to Carter G. Woodson’s 1926 declaration of “History Week,” noted the expansion to Black History Month in 1976, and called attention to the contributions of Black Americans in areas including activism, science, art, education, law and government. Quinn, who represents Council District 5, opened the presentation by saying, “It is my pleasure today to recognize February 2025 as Black History Month.”
Gwen Allen Karsten accepted the proclamation and spoke about her work in Kent. “I am very honored to accept this proclamation,” Karsten said. She described Kent as “a growing, very diverse community” and said she would share the proclamation locally.
Members of the public used the meeting’s public hearing portion to address the proclamation and related concerns. Mariah Mitchell, who identified herself as a longtime resident and activist, said the proclamation was an opportunity but also urged continued attention to unresolved problems affecting Black residents. “There’s a lot of issues that have not been solved,” Mitchell said, adding she planned to push county leaders on those issues during advocacy efforts.
A remote commenter, Joe Kunzler, also offered supportive remarks for the observance, saying, “I just wanna wish you a happy Black History Month.” An in‑chamber commenter, identified as Alex Zimmerman, became disruptive and was cut off while speaking; the clerk and chair moved the meeting on after the interruption.
The council did not take further formal legislative action on the proclamation; the item was presented as a special item and the proclamation will be shared with community organizations.
The council paused after the presentation for a group photograph and then continued the meeting’s business.
