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Durham County issues multiple proclamations: Second Chance Month, Fair Housing Month, Black Maternal Health Week and others
Summary
The Durham County Board of Commissioners read and adopted a series of proclamations recognizing Fair Housing Month, Second Chance Month, Black Maternal Health Week, Elizabeth Catlett Days, Line Worker Appreciation Day, Arab American Heritage Month and Child Abuse Prevention Month; Justice Services staff outlined events for Second Chance Month.
The Durham County Board of Commissioners adopted a slate of ceremonial proclamations at its April session, recognizing local observances and public‑service priorities for the month.
Key proclamations read and adopted included Fair Housing Month, Second Chance Month, Black Maternal Health Week, Elizabeth Catlett Days, Line Worker Appreciation Day, Arab American Heritage Month and Child Abuse Prevention Month. Each proclamation was presented from the dais and accepted by the board in the meeting’s ceremonial portion.
Second Chance Month: Justice Services staff described events and services Robin Heath, Assistant Director of the Justice Services Department, and Ontario Joyner, the county’s Local Reentry Council coordinator, accepted the Second Chance Month proclamation and described a slate of events targeted to justice‑involved residents.
Ontario Joyner outlined several April events: an employment resource fair at the Durham County Main Library downtown location from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.; a resume‑building seminar on April 16 at 6:30 p.m. at the Justice Services building (326 East Main Street); a diabetes education seminar in partnership with Durham County Public Health that will include free A1c testing and run about 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Human Services Building; and a daytime resume workshop with mock interviews on April 30 at the Justice Services building. Joyner also said the department is collecting backpacks and hygiene products year‑round; donations can be dropped at the Justice Services building lobby.
Black Maternal Health Week and Child Abuse Prevention Month: board asks for data and highlights services Commissioners used the proclamations to highlight county priorities. Commissioner Heidi Jacobs asked county public health staff to provide an update to the board on trends and whether county investments (including ARPA funding) are affecting outcomes for Black maternal health. Durham Social Services Director Maggie (surname not specified in the meeting transcript) and staff outlined Child Abuse Prevention Month activities including a pinwheel planting, community pledge day and a day of service partnering with Urban Ministries.
Other proclamations and local notes A proclamation honoring artist Elizabeth Catlett was read; speakers noted Catlett’s early teaching work in Durham and an accompanying national exhibit currently at the National Gallery of Art. Vice Chair Dr. Lee read a proclamation for Line Worker Appreciation Day and urged community members and students to consider training programs such as Durham Tech’s lineman program. The board also proclaimed March/April Arab American Heritage Month and recognized contributions of Arab American community members.
Speakers quoted or cited in this report: Robin Heath (Assistant Director, Justice Services), Ontario Joyner (Local Reentry Council coordinator), Commissioner Heidi Jacobs, Director Maggie (Durham Social Services), Vice Chair Dr. Lee.
