III.1. Proclamation Celebrating Black History Month; Baker
CITY OF HOPKINS
City Council Report 2026-013
To: Honorable Mayor and Council Members
Mike Mornson, City Manager
From: David Baker, Program Specialist
Date: February 2, 2026
Subject: Proclamation Celebrating Black History Month
_____________________________________________________________________
RECOMMENDED ACTION
MOTION TO Adopt a Proclamation celebrating February as Black History Month in
Hopkins.
OVERVIEW
The City of Hopkins adopts proclamations throughout the year that shine a spotlight on
the cultural diversity of our community. The following proclamations will be brought
forward by staff in 2026:
• February: Black History Month
• March: Women’s History Month
• April: Arab American Heritage Month
• May: Asian American and Pacific Islander History Month
• June: Juneteenth and Pride Month
• July: Disability Pride Month
• September/October: Hispanic Heritage Month
• November: Native American Heritage Month
2026 marks the 100th year of official recognition and celebration of Black history, first as
Negro History Week, and now as Black History Month.
Black community members make an irreplaceable addition to the fabric of our city and
this month is a chance to celebrate that and reflect upon the difficult journey it took to get
to this point and the work that is still to be done to level the playing field for all.
Tonight, the City of Hopkins would like to proclaim February as Black History Month and
to reiterate our commitment to true inclusion, now and always.
SUPPORTING INFORMATION
• Proclamation Celebrating Black History Month
Administration
A Proclamation Celebrating
Black History Month
WHEREAS, Black history has been officially recognized and celebrated for one hundred
years, first as Negro History Week; and
WHEREAS, fifty years ago, the celebration expanded to the full month of February to
encompass the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass; and
WHEREAS, Black History Month as we know it now is an opportunity to reflect on the
tumultuous journey for Black people through our country’s history and to learn about the
continued work that must be done to reach true equality; and
WHEREAS, this month as also a chance to celebrate the rich history of success in every
aspect of life, innumerable cultural contributions, and the vital roles that Black people play
in improving our city, state, and country; and
WHEREAS, the City of Hopkins wishes to celebrate our Black employees, friends, and
neighbors and express sincere appreciation for their presence in our community, as well
as to reflect on their history in the United States; and
NOW THEREFORE, I, Patrick Hanlon, Mayor of the City of Hopkins in the State of
Minnesota, along with my fellow Council Members, recognize, adopt, and proclaim
February as Black History Month in the City of Hopkins, and invite all residents to join the
celebration and learn more about the importance of Black people in making Hopkins such
a wonderful place to live.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set
my hand and caused the Seal of the City of
Hopkins, Minnesota to be affixed this 2nd day of
February, 2026.
_______________________________________
Patrick Hanlon, Mayor