Pierce County proclaims February 2026 Black History Month; former Mayor Victoria Woodards and Mary Moss honored

The Pierce County Council on Feb. 3 proclaimed February 2026 as Black History Month and honored former Tacoma Mayor Victoria Woodards and former Lakewood City Council member Mary Moss.

The proclamation, read into the record by the council chair, highlighted local investments tied to American Rescue Plan funding, saying the county’s programs have supported 352 Black-owned businesses, enrolled 174 Black-owned businesses in a business-accelerator program, provided roughly $700,000 in professional-services grants and — the proclamation said — helped 72% of participants raise about $2.6 million in new capital. The proclamation also cited local organizations and leaders, and recognized the Coast Salish tribes as the traditional stewards of the land.

Mary Moss accepted the proclamation and described her personal journey from work on a tobacco farm to serving nearly two decades in Lakewood city government, saying the arc of her life shaped her commitment to community service. "This is my favorite thing to do is talk about myself," Moss said as she reflected on barriers she faced and the opportunities that followed.

Victoria Woodards, identified in the proclamation as a former mayor of Tacoma, spoke about the role of Black women leaders in the region and the importance of creating space and opportunity for future leaders. "Black History Month really is a reminder of the resilience and the brilliance and the contributions of African Americans," Woodards said.

Council members offered brief remarks of thanks and recognition after the presentations. Vice Chair Paul Herrera and others praised the honorees’ leadership and urged continued work to expand opportunities, particularly for young people.

The council then invited the honorees to a photo with the dais. The meeting record shows no ordinances or resolutions were considered later in the session.