Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Black History Month topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Assembly urges governor to proclaim February 2026 Black History Month, members call for action on racial and economic equity
Summary
The New York State Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution calling on Gov. Kathy Hochul to proclaim February 2026 Black History Month; members used floor remarks to link the observance to ongoing policy work on economic justice, education and anti‑censorship efforts.
The New York State Assembly adopted a resolution calling on Gov. Kathy Hochul to proclaim February 2026 as Black History Month after a series of floor remarks that tied the observance to legislative action on racial equity and economic justice. The resolution (Assembly number 9 33, introduced by Mr. Hasty) was adopted by voice vote.
Members from across the chamber used the moment to trace the origins and meaning of the observance and to press for policy follow‑through. "Du Bois understood that democracy without economic power is a hollow promise," Assemblymember Forrest said, linking the month to calls for jobs, housing and a living wage. Assemblymember Wright urged broader recognition beyond a single month, saying, "In Harlem we celebrate Black history every day," and urged others to do the same.
Assemblymember Zimmerman framed the proclamation as an accountability measure against recent efforts to remove or restrict teaching about Black history: "Black History Month is not ceremonial. It is a necessary act of truth telling and accountability," she said. Assemblymember Jackson highlighted continuing disparities, noting higher maternal mortality for Black women and recent racially motivated violence in Buffalo as reasons the body should pair commemorations with policy work.
Several members gave historical context: Assemblymember Meeks offered a biographical sketch of Carter G. Woodson and the 1926 founding of Negro History Week, which later became Black History Month. Other members emphasized cultural contributions from Harlem, the arts and military service across U.S. history.
The resolution was put to the House with the Speaker calling for those in favor to signify by saying "aye"; the Speaker then announced the resolution was adopted. The Assembly did not record a numeric roll call for the resolution; clerks noted vocal affirmation and declared the measure adopted.
Next steps: the resolution memorializes the governor and urges proclamation; it does not, by itself, create statutory obligations. Several members used their time on the floor to press for corresponding budgetary and statutory measures to address education, economic opportunity and preservation of historical records.
