III.1. Proclamation Recognizing February as Black History Month; Imihy Bean
CITY OF HOPKINS
City Council Report 2023-021
To: Honorable Mayor and Council Members
Mike Mornson, City Manager
From: PeggySue Imihy Bean, AICP, Management Analyst
Date: February 7, 2023
Subject: Proclamation Recognizing February as Black History Month
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RECOMMENDED ACTION
MOTION TO ADOPT A PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING FEBRUARY AS BLACK
HISTORY MONTH
OVERVIEW
In 2022, the City Council adopted a schedule of cultural and heritage months to be
recognized throughout the year by proclamation at City Council meetings. In addition to
proclamations, Staff will work with partner organizations such as the Hopkins School
District, Hopkins Race and Equity Initiative (HREI) and other non -profit and community
organizations to lift up and promote community events. Each of the pre -designated
months may also have unique City-led initiatives such as art displayed at City Hall,
partnered events with other organizations, or flags/banners along Mainstreet as Staff
capacity allows.
For Black History Month, and other months, Staff has connected with the Hopkins
Historical Society for a list of residents and community members who have contributed to
Hopkins history. City Staff will share stories about these people, and other related posts
to highlight the month.
Tonight, the City recognizes February as Black History Month to honor Black residents,
community members and Staff who have made meaningful contributions to Hopkins as
well as acknowledge the City’s role in creating and reconciling racial disparities that
disproportionally affect Black residents in Hopkins.
SUPPORTING INFORMATION
• Proclamation Recognizing February as Black History Month
Administration
A Proclamation Commemorating Black History Month
WHEREAS, the City of Hopkins recognizes and proclaims the month of February 2023
as Black History Month as an annual celebration of achievements by the Black community
and a time for recognizing the central role of Black people in our history; and
WHEREAS, the celebration of observing Black History Month provides opportunities to
gain a deeper understanding of Black and African American history and acknowledge the
centuries of struggles for equality and freedom; and
WHEREAS, the City of Hopkins in its partnership with the Just Deeds Coalition,
recognizes and works to remove racially restrictive covenants which did not allow Black
residents to own property in many parts of Hopkins until the Supreme Court ruled these
covenants illegal in 1948; and
WHEREAS, the City of Hopkins believes in creating a spirit of community where all people
feel safe and respected, and diversity is celebrated and that many Black residents have
made, and continue to make, great and lasting contributions to the City of Hopkins and to
the greater community; and
WHEREAS, while the observance of Black History Month calls our City’s attention to the
continued need to battle racism and to build a society that lives up to it democratic ideals,
this year’s celebrations and recognition of Black History Month are especially significant
as we reflect on the historic challenges facing our community and our Nation at this time;
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 this
Proclamation to urge all to observe this month and honor the contributions of Black
residents throughout the year.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set
my hand and caused the Seal of the City of
Hopkins, Minnesota to be affixed this 7th day of
February in the year 2023.
__________________________________________
Patrick Hanlon, Mayor