West Sacramento council proclaims Ramadan observance and Black History Month; community groups accept proclamations

The West Sacramento City Council read proclamations Feb. 18 recognizing the expected start of Ramadan and declaring February 2026 Black History Month and invited representatives of local community groups to accept each proclamation.

At the start of the meeting the mayor read a Ramadan proclamation describing the observance as a month of fasting, reflection and service. Fozia Farooq of CARE SBCC thanked the council "for recognizing the holy month of Ramadan," saying Ramadan is "one of the most sacred times of the year" and that it centers on generosity and care for others. A speaker recited verses from the Quran and a translator read passages describing fasting as a communal practice encouraging self-restraint.

During the Black History Month presentation Council Member Dante Early read the proclamation and invited Shontay Campbell of the Roberts Family Development Center to speak about local programs including Freedom Schools, a six-week literacy program. Campbell described work with families and the center's focus on reading programs that allow students to see themselves in the books they read.

Council members thanked the presenters, praised outreach and youth programming, and noted the city’s recent Juneteenth recognition as an example of local initiatives on equity and inclusion. Council also paused to note the passing of civil-rights leader Reverend Jesse Jackson.

Council members and staff indicated they would take photographs and follow up with the organizations if additional needs or event coordination were requested. The proclamations were accepted and entered into the meeting record.