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Batavia proclaims February as Black History Month; residents, educators urge more representation in schools
Summary
The City of Batavia declared February Black History Month during its Feb. 17 meeting. Speakers highlighted historic local Black leaders and called for more Black educators and attention to student bullying and curriculum representation in Batavia Public Schools.
Mayor Jeffrey D. Schulke presented a proclamation declaring February 2025 as Black History Month in Batavia and cited local leaders, Black educators and long-standing community institutions during a Feb. 17 City Council meeting.
The proclamation, read by Alderman Vogelsinger, named historical contributors including James Stewart and Charles E. Hall, and recognized local educators past and present such as Janet Graves Williams and Tori Pryor. A copy of the proclamation was given to Chris Lowell and representatives of Logan Street Missionary Baptist Church.
During the public remarks portion of the presentation, a Batavia resident who identified as the daughter of a former Black educator urged the city to address ongoing challenges in local schools, saying Black educators remain “only a fraction of the staff” and that Black students still face “systematic obstacles” including bullying, exclusion and a lack of representation in curricula. The speaker said those experiences have lasting effects and called for sustained action beyond a single month.
Council members and the mayor praised the city’s diversity and civic relationships and presented copies of the proclamation to community members in attendance.
There was a motion to accept the proclamation, which passed on voice vote (10 yes, 4 absent).
