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Cotati City Council proclaims February 2026 Black History Month; Sonoma State students accept proclamation
Summary
Mayor read a proclamation declaring February 2026 Black History Month; representatives and officers from Sonoma State Universitys Black Student Union accepted the proclamation and spoke about the importance of recognizing Black history year-round.
The Cotati City Council on Monday proclaimed February 2026 as Black History Month and presented the proclamation to students and staff from Sonoma State University.
Mayor Lemus read the proclamation describing the observances origins and the national theme for 2026, then invited Raquel Holmes and students from Sonoma State Universitys Black Student Union to the podium. Raquel Holmes said she grew up locally and called it "an honor" to have the universitys presence recognized by the city. "It is a pleasure to have such a proclamation of having our history recognized," she said.
Students from Sonoma States Black Student Union, including the club president (identified in the meeting as Yanni), secretary Iona Nelson and historian Kyra, thanked the council and said the recognition matters but emphasized that Black history and excellence should be celebrated year-round, not only during February. "Black History Month is a beautiful thing, but we are black and proud and excellent every month," the BSU president said.
After the remarks the council presented proclamations and took a group photo with the visiting students. The proclamation encouraged residents to learn more through resources such as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (asalh.org) and to attend local Black History Month events.
The proclamation was ceremonial; no council action was required. The council moved on to other agenda items after the presentation.
