San Antonio proclaims February Black and African American Heritage Month; SACAM highlights labor history

Mayor Ron Nirenberg opened the February 2025 San Antonio City Council meeting by presenting a mayoral proclamation declaring February 2025 as Black and African American Heritage Month for the city of San Antonio.

Pastor Courtney Beard of the Collective Church in Lavaca gave an invocation that asked the council to lead with "clarity, courage, and discernment" and to use authority "not for personal gain, but for the betterment of the people that we serve," Mayor Nirenberg read the proclamation on the council chamber dais.

Taylor Foots, exhibit space supervisor at the San Antonio African American Community Archive and Museum (SACAM), addressed the council after the proclamation. Foots said this year's national theme, "African Americans and Labor," highlights the historical centrality of work in Black communities and cited the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters as a milestone in labor organizing. "This theme highlights the powerful connection between work and the experiences of the black diaspora throughout history," Foots said.

Councilmember Mickey Rodriguez urged the council to pair recognition with policy and action, drawing attention to ongoing disparities facing Black San Antonians. "This Black History Month, let us honor the contributions of African Americans in labor and our community as a whole, not just with words, but with action," Councilmember Mickey Rodriguez said.

The proclamation notes local and national events planned during the month, references the 100th anniversary of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters and local figures and communities, and calls on residents to reflect on the contributions and work that remains to achieve greater equity. The council also invited the San Antonio Gospel Heritage Choir to perform the Black national anthem as part of the ceremonial observance.

The ceremonial items concluded before the council moved on to routine business and the consent agenda.