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Johnson County adopts Black History Month proclamation; residents and local leaders speak during public comment
Summary
The board unanimously adopted a Black History Month proclamation on Feb. 5. Several community members and residents addressed the board with personal recollections and praise, including remarks about local progress and leadership.
The Johnson County Board of Supervisors adopted a proclamation recognizing February 2026 as Black History Month and urged residents to acknowledge local history, culture and the work needed to dismantle systemic racism.
During the public-comment period, Charlie Eastham, a Johnson County resident who said he also serves on the Iowa City Community School District school board (speaking for himself), thanked the board and described the proclamation as an important step. Alfred Townsend shared memories of arriving in 1962 and reflected on how the community has changed while noting there is more work to do.
A speaker who identified herself during her remarks as the first African American woman elected to a county seat in Johnson County gave an extended reflection on perseverance, community leadership and progress in the county; she named several local leaders in her remarks and framed the proclamation as part of ongoing work to promote equity.
Supervisors praised the presenters and the proclamation was adopted by unanimous vote. The meeting concluded with several supervisor reports and adjournment.
