Arlington County proclaims February 2026 Black History Month

Unidentified Speaker (Speaker) read and signed a county proclamation declaring February 2026 as Black History Month for Arlington County, urging residents and employees to recognize the contributions of Black Americans to the nation and to the county.

The proclamation, read aloud by Unidentified Speaker, described Black History Month as an annual February observance "to highlight the experience of Black Americans and to recognize and pay tribute to the many contributions of Black Americans to the society and culture of the United States of America." It noted that the observance traces to 1926 with a predecessor called Negro History Week and that since 1976 presidents have annually proclaimed February as Black History Month.

Unidentified Speaker connected the proclamation to the wider national moment, referencing the 250th anniversary of United States independence observed in 2026 and saying the county seeks "not only an inclusive history, but an accurate" account of the past. The proclamation states that "Arlington County government is committed to celebrating and spotlighting this rich history" and "does hereby proclaim February 2026 as Black History Month and call upon the residents and employees of the county to observe this occasion by recognizing the contributions of Black Americans to our society in general and to Arlington County in particular."

The reading ended with the speaker saying "Signed by me" and thanking the audience. No vote or formal roll call was recorded in the provided transcript of the proclamation reading. The action recorded in the transcript is the adoption of the proclamation as read and signed by the speaker.