February is African American History Month

The City of Urbana is proud...
 to commemorate National African American History Month - more commonly known as Black History Month. 

• Why do we celebrate in February?
• What is the theme this year for NAAHM? 
• Read about the Father of African American History and how he established, "Negro History Week."
• Why was – is – African American History often ignored in public schools? Go here to get the answers to these questions. 

We will be celebrating local African Americans that have made a difference in Urbana.

Go to our Facebook page to see those that are being celebrated. If you know someone that needs to be added to our list, please email us at marketing@urbanaillinois.us. 

Proclamation by the Mayor of the City of Urbana, Illinois, designating February 2023 as African American History Month in the City of Urbana

WHEREAS, National African American History Month, popularly known as Black History Month, is an occasion to rediscover the enduring stories of African Americans and the gifts of freedom, purpose, and opportunity they have bestowed on past, present, and future generations; and 

WHEREAS, It is also a time to commemorate the contributions of Urbana African Americans who have enriched our community today; and 

WHEREAS, The 2022-2023 school year marks 56 years of the integration of Urbana Schools, historically designating Urbana as the first integrated public school system in Illinois. This one act of civil bravery, that was exemplified by the Ellis Drive Six, has given people of all backgrounds confidence, courage, and the faith to pursue their own dreams, no matter who they are or where they are from; and 

WHEREAS,  February 1, 2023 marks the second anniversary of the passing of the Resolution Committing to End Structural Racism and Achieve Racial Equity and the City acknowledges that in recognizing our own bias and prejudices, we stand with those who value a just and inclusive community and the need for diversity and opportunity in Urbana and in our country; and 

WHEREAS,  The City recognizes the ongoing struggles that our Urbana African American residents continue to endure and denounces ideologies that promote racial division. 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Diane Wolfe Marlin, Mayor of the City of Urbana, do hereby proclaim February 2023 as African American History Month in the City of Urbana, Illinois, and encourage everyone to celebrate and remember the continuing contributions of our African American brothers and sisters. 

The City of Urbana recognizes the need to confront, acknowledge, and learn from its own history. This February 2023 marks the second anniversary of the passing of the Resolution Committing to End Structural Racism and Achieve Racial Equity. This resolution was a cooperative effort between City Council and City Staff. Go here to read the resolution.