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Puyallup issues proclamations honoring former Mayor Ken Martin and declaring Black History Month
Summary
The council read and presented proclamations honoring the late former Mayor Ken Martin and declaring February 2026 as Black History Month; Pierce College Puyallup accepted the Black History proclamation and noted about 9% of its students identify as Black.
Puyallup City Council opened its Jan. 27 meeting with proclamations honoring former Mayor Kenneth "Ken" Martin and declaring February 2026 as Black History Month.
Mayor Ned Whitting read a proclamation memorializing Martin’s decades of public service, noting he was a lifelong Puyallup resident, a graduate of Puyallup High School, a veteran of the U.S. Army and Air Force Reserves, a local businessman and a mayor who "served faithfully and well for a number of years." Family members were invited forward to receive the proclamation and councilmembers offered personal remarks about Martin’s civic leadership and community impact.
Later in the meeting the council proclaimed February as Black History Month. Dr. Chayo Flores, president of Pierce College Puyallup, accepted the proclamation on behalf of staff and students, thanking the council and noting that "about 9% of our students identify as Black" and that the proclamation helps affirm belonging for students and employees.
The proclamations were ceremonial actions to acknowledge civic contributions and community events; no formal policy action resulted from either proclamation.
