Hayward proclaims February 2025 Black History Month; local groups accept proclamation

Hayward Mayor Mark Salinas read a proclamation on Feb. 18 declaring February 2025 Black History Month and invited representatives of local groups to accept it at City Hall.

The proclamation highlighted the national Black History Month theme for 2025 and listed Hayward events and community partners. Mayor Salinas called forward representatives from the NAACP Hayward South Alameda County Branch, BWOPA (Black Women Organized for Political Action, Hayward South County chapter), Delta Sigma Theta Sorority (Hayward Tri City Alumni Chapter), Zeta Phi Beta (Iota Delta Zeta chapter), Treasures Unleashed / Hidden Jewels Unleashed, the Hayward Unified School District equity programs, Hayward Public Library and California State University, East Bay’s Black Excellence Project.

Rahima Walker (NAACP Hayward South Alameda County Branch) and Philip Oliver were called forward; Rahima Walker asked for a minute of silence for people ‘‘that have lost everything’’ in a recent southern U.S. tragedy and led a short prayer. Raquel Johnson, president of the Hayward South County chapter of Black Women Organized for Political Action, accepted the proclamation and emphasized the group’s civic engagement mission.

Lonnie Taylor, president of the Hayward Tri City Alumni Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, accepted the proclamation on behalf of the chapter and described its nearly 35 years of local service, scholarship and community outreach. Dr. Candace Cofield, identified as an administrator of special assignment for equity and anti‑racism at Hayward Unified School District, told the council the district has focused on addressing anti‑Blackness and said the district ‘‘have taken a bold step to ban the use of the n word in our schools’’ and is training staff on implementation. Lindsay Vien, deputy director of library services, described Black History Month programming at the Hayward Public Library, including performances, online author talks and a Black History scavenger hunt for children. Professor Steven Cleveland of California State University, East Bay’s Black Excellence Project described partnerships with local schools, Chabot College and foundations to support student programming.

Mayor Salinas congratulated the groups and invited a photograph; he also acknowledged other officials and guests in the audience, including a youth weight‑lifting champion from Stonebrae Elementary and representatives of Cal State East Bay’s diversity office and the Hayward School Board.

This was a ceremonial proclamation item; no council action was required.