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Multnomah County proclaims February 2025 Black History and Black Futures Month
Summary
The Multnomah County Board of Commissioners adopted a proclamation recognizing February 2025 as Black History and Black Futures Month, citing local programs, employee resource groups and the county's commitment to racial justice.
The Multnomah County Board of Commissioners on Feb. 13 adopted a proclamation recognizing February 2025 as Black History and Black Futures Month.
The proclamation, read during the board's virtual meeting and presented by members of the Employees of Color employee resource group, calls attention to the role of Black Americans and people of the African diaspora in labor, civic life and county services and pledges Multnomah County's continued work on equity and inclusion.
The County read the proclamation aloud and heard short statements from county employees and volunteer leaders. Lanelle Jackson, a library assistant and the Employees of Color events planner, read a section of the proclamation that traced the modern observance to Carter G. Woodson and called out the contributions of Black women and Black queer people to local and national history.
Commissioner Shannon Singleton, a co-sponsor of the proclamation, said the month should be tied to policy and investment. "There is no restorative justice without economic investment and liberation of the black community," Singleton said.
Speakers at the presentation included Sean Masten, co-chair of the Employees of Color employee resource group and communications coordinator at the Community Health Center; TK Caparara, immigrant and refugee coordinator for Multnomah County DCHS; Canada Taylor Parker, workforce trauma support coordinator; and Lanelle Jackson, Black cultural library advocate and employee events planner.
Board members voiced support after the presentation. Chair Vega Peterson thanked the presenters and the health department for sponsoring the event; Commissioner Moyer described the proclamation as an affirmation of county values. Commissioner Vince Jones Dixon and others praised the presenters and reiterated a commitment to racial equity work across county departments.
A roll-call vote adopted the proclamation unanimously. The board recorded the vote as: Commissioner Moyer, yes; Commissioner Shannon Singleton, yes; Commissioner Brehm Edwards, yes; Commissioner Vince Jones Dixon, yes; Chair Vega Peterson, aye. The proclamation was adopted and will be observed by the county during February 2025.
The board said it plans a rescheduled in-person luncheon when weather and safety permit.
