Durham County proclaims Black History Month and honors 10th anniversary of three community members' deaths

On Feb. 10, 2025 the Durham County Board of County Commissioners read and acknowledged a proclamation declaring February 2025 as Black History Month and a resolution honoring the 10th anniversary of the deaths of Deah Shaddy Barakat, Yusor Mohammad Abu-Salha and Razan Mohammad Abu-Salha.

Commissioner Michelle Burton read the Black History Month proclamation highlighting the contributions and achievements of African Americans and encouraging community observance. Dr. Brent Lewis, Director of Equitable Well-being, thanked the Board for recognizing the proclamation and introduced Nisha G. Williams, Attorney and Chair of the Durham Racial Equity Commission; Williams told the Board that Black history is vital to understanding Durham County’s past.

Chair Nida Allam read a resolution honoring the lives and legacy of Deah Shaddy Barakat, Yusor Mohammad Abu-Salha and Razan Mohammad Abu-Salha on the 10th anniversary of their passing and described the resolution as “a response of love to hate crimes.” The Board noted community events connected to the anniversary, including screenings of the documentary "36 Seconds: Portrait of a Hate Crime" and an interfaith food drive hosted by The Light House Project.

The Board thanked those who framed the proclamation and resolution and encouraged community observance of the month’s events. The meeting record does not show a separate roll-call vote on the resolution in this segment; the text was read and acknowledged during the ceremonial portion of the meeting.