Manatee school board adopts Black History Month proclamation after debate over 'American History Month' proposal

The Manatee County School Board voted to adopt a Black History Month proclamation on Feb. 24, 2026, after a pointed debate in which one member unsuccessfully proposed replacing the item with an "American History Month" proclamation.

Board member Heather Felton moved the proclamation, citing federal and state guidance encouraging schools to teach the history and contributions of Black Americans. Felton said she requested the proclamation "to make a point to do so in Manatee County," and read elements linking the observance to federal law and Florida instructional requirements.

Board member Mr. Tatum presented an extended amendment proposing that February be declared "American History Month" rather than a race-specific observance. Tatum argued that prominent Black leaders and scholars have urged an emphasis on shared national history rather than separate, race‑based commemorations. "Black history is American history," he said during his presentation, and proposed an alternative proclamation for the board to consider.

Legal counsel told the board that the Black History Month proclamation before the board had been distributed in advance and placed on the agenda as an action item; counsel advised that an alternative proclamation that had not been advertised would be better discussed in a workshop or at a later meeting to comply with public-notice and sunshine considerations. A motion to amend the proclaimed wording failed. A subsequent call to the question carried, and the board adopted the Black History Month proclamation 4–1 with Mr. Tatum recorded as abstaining.

Supporters in the public-comment period had urged the board not to require unanimity for proclamations and to use proclamations as a tool for community engagement. Martha Jacobs, speaking for the League of Women Voters of Manatee County, said the League "does support board proclamations" and opposed any requirement that a single member be able to block a proclamation.

The adopted proclamation cites the U.S. Congress’ recognition of a national observance and directs the district’s instructional staff to teach the history and contributions of Black Americans in accordance with state statute language. Board members agreed to place a broader review of the district’s proclamations policy on the March workshop schedule to clarify timelines and the process for submitting and considering proclamations.

The board recorded the motion and vote in the official minutes; the chair said the proclamation would be read and copies made available following the meeting.

The immediate effect is ceremonial and curricular: the board’s proclamation recognizes February 2026 as Black History Month in district schools; any instructional changes will follow existing curriculum adoption and instructional review processes.