WHEREAS, in 1976, as Americans celebrated the national bicentennial, President Gerald Ford urged the Nation to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history” and, for the first time, Black History Month was celebrated nationwide; and
WHEREAS, President Ford’s words rang true to the Nation, and in that spirit we recognize and celebrate the incredible roles African Americans have played in Alaska’s history and their many contributions to the wellbeing of our State; and
WHEREAS, the theme of Black History Month 2024 is “African Americans and the Arts ,” which celebrates the influences of Black Americans in musical, artistic, and cultural movements; and
WHEREAS, the strong and positive influence that African Americans have had on our State started long before statehood as African American men migrated to Alaska to work as whalers, fur traders, and eventually gold miners; and
WHEREAS, we have long benefitted from the contributions of outstanding African American men and women, including Willard Bowman, who moved to Alaska after serving in the U.S. Navy, was appointed the first Director of the Alaska Human Rights Commission in 1963, and later served three terms in the Alaska House of Representatives; and
WHEREAS, this month we honor our African American neighbors, their accomplishments and contributions, and celebrate the distinct influence they have on the cultural fabric of our Great State.
NOW THEREFORE, I, Mike Dunleavy, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF ALASKA, do hereby proclaim February 2024 as:
Black History Month
in Alaska and encourage all Alaskans to recognize the continuing impact African Americans have on our State and the lasting contributions they bring to the success of our communities.
Dated: February 1, 2024
