City of Lenoir Mayor Joe Gibbons, on behalf of City Council, proclaimed February 2025 to be Black History Month in the City of Lenoir.
Mayor Gibbons encourages all residents to honor the many contributions made by African Americans to the city, North Carolina, and the US, throughout the month.
Click the following link to go to the City calendar and see the Black History Month events happening in February 2025, City Calendar.
Black History Month Proclamation
WHEREAS, since 1976, every United States president has officially designated the month of February as national Black History Month to honor and affirm the importance of Black history throughout our American experience; and
WHEREAS, the United States joins other countries around the world in devoting a month to recognize Black history, including Canada and the United Kingdom; and
WHEREAS, the observance of Black History Month began in 1926, when Harvard-trained historian Carter G. Woodson and Minister Jesse Moorland sponsored the first national Negro History Week, which was celebrated the second week in February, and later in the 1960s as part of the Civil Rights Movement the observance evolved into Black History Month; and
WHEREAS, the 2025 Black History Month theme, “African Americans and Labor” focuses on the significant role that labor has played in shaping the Black experience throughout history; and
WHEREAS, much of the City of Lenoir’s honor, strength, and success can be attributed to the diversity of cultures and traditions that are celebrated by the residents of this great City; and
WHEREAS, African Americans have played significant roles and made lasting contributions to our City’s history and the history of North Carolina’s economic, cultural, spiritual and political development, while working tirelessly to contribute to every aspect of American society including business, education, politics, science, and the arts; and
WHEREAS, Black History Month is a time for all Americans to remember the contributions and legacy of those who helped build our nation, fought against prejudice to secure lives of dignity and opportunity for all of our citizens, advanced the cause of civil rights for all Americans, and strengthened our families and communities.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Joseph L. Gibbons, Mayor of the City of Lenoir and the City Council, do hereby encourage all residents to join me in honoring the many contributions made by African Americans to our City, State, and Nation, and to participate in the many educational and inspirational events celebrating February 2025 as “BLACK HISTORY MONTH.”
IN WITNESS THEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the City of Lenoir to be affixed, this the 4th day of February in the year of our Lord two thousand and twenty-five.
Joseph L. Gibbons, Mayor
Pictured from left: Mayor Pro Tem David Stevens, City Councilmembers Crissy Thomas, Ralph Prestwood, and Kimmie Rogers, City Manager Scott Hildebran, Mayor Joe Gibbons, and City Council members Ike Perkins and Jonathan Beal.