Durham commissioners proclaim Arab American Heritage Month, conservation observances and Alcohol Awareness Month

The Durham County Board of Commissioners adopted several proclamations and heard related remarks at the April 29 regular session.

Chair Nida Allam read a resolution proclaiming April 2024 as Arab American Heritage Month in Durham County. Dr. Brent Lewis, Equitable Well‑being Director, thanked the board and encouraged residents to consult county resources for events and information.

Commissioner Heidi Carter read a proclamation naming 2024 the “Year of the Aerial Insectivore,” highlighting research showing declines in aerial insectivore species and suggesting conservation best practices. Jennifer Maher of the New Hope Audubon Society described actions residents can take — preserve and expand nesting and roosting sites, reduce night lighting, and minimize insecticide spraying — and asked that the Board post the group’s best‑practices guidance on the county website.

Commissioner Wendy Jacobs read a resolution supporting a voluntary Lights Out Durham campaign to reduce nighttime lights during bird migration windows (March–May and Sept–Nov, 10 p.m.–6 a.m.) to help prevent bird collisions; Barbara Driscoll of New Hope Audubon offered to partner on resident outreach.

Commissioner Brenda Howerton read a proclamation declaring April Alcohol Awareness Month. Dr. Wanda Boone, CEO of Together for Resilient Youth, and Natalia Rosaliz, LIFT Youth Coordinator, discussed prevention strategies and local survey findings indicating declines in youth alcohol use; speakers emphasized early education and family involvement.

These proclamations are ceremonial but indicate county support for public health, wildlife conservation and community engagement initiatives; staff were asked to post relevant materials and best‑practice documents to county web resources.