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Centre County proclaims February 2025 Black History Month; local leaders urge sustained action
Summary
The Centre County Board of Commissioners adopted Proclamation No. 6 of 2025 proclaiming February as Black History Month. Local educators, community leaders and residents urged ongoing support for racial equity, education and labor justice during public remarks.
The Centre County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday adopted Proclamation No. 6 of 2025 proclaiming February 2025 as Black History Month in Centre County.
Speakers at the courthouse highlighted the national theme "African Americans in labor," traced the observance's origins to Carter G. Woodson, and called for continued local efforts to protect diversity initiatives and strengthen community education. Leslie Lang, director for adult learner programs and services at Penn State, and members of the Penn State community delivered the proclamation and spoke about local and national Black leaders and milestones.
"I leave you love. I leave you hope. I leave you the challenge of developing confidence in one another," Leslie Lang said in a closing reading of Mary McLeod Bethune's words during her remarks. Carmen Wong, a playwright and doctoral student, recalled Carter G. Woodson's founding of the original Black History Week and described the observance as "a call to action." Kesla Elmore, a doctoral candidate, urged local leaders to sustain visibility for Black artists and educators as statewide policy debates seek to limit curricula.
Resident speakers also addressed the proclamation. Gary Abdullah thanked the commissioners for standing by the county's commitments to equity in a difficult national climate. Terry Watson, chair of the Central Region Human Relations Commission, urged officials to ensure local curricula and public institutions keep Black history visible year round.
Commissioner Amber Concepcion thanked speakers and said the proclamation recognizes both national and local contributions. Commissioner Mark Higgins and Commissioner Stephen G. Dershow each added remarks about Centre County's local Black history and the importance of preserving those stories.
Commissioners voted to adopt Proclamation No. 6 of 2025. The proclamation, signed by County Administrator John Franek and the three commissioners, calls on community members to support and celebrate the legacy of Black Americans and invites participation in local events including Juneteenth celebrations.
The proclamation text presented at the meeting cites the national centering of African Americans in labor for 2025, mentions the 100th anniversary of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, and names several historical and local Black leaders referenced by speakers.
The ceremony concluded with group photos and brief additional comments from attendees and commissioners about upcoming local events tied to the proclamation.
