2016 marked the 40th year the U.S. celebrated Black History Month, or National African American History Month, an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of African Americans and reflect on the central role African Americans have played throughout our country’s history.
As the City of Alameda celebrates the 41st year of Black History Month, we invite you to join us. A banner has been placed above City Hall and on Central Street, and will be above Webster Street during the last two weeks of the month. Alameda’s banner illustrates the influential faces of John Lewis, Maya Angelou, Ruby Bridges, Barack Obama, Barbara Lee, James Baldwin, and Elector Littlejohn.
At the February 21, 2017 Alameda City Council meeting, Mayor Trish Herrera Spencer will issue a Proclamation, encouraging our community to observe and celebrate this month with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.
On February 23, you are invited to a Black History Showcase and Recognition Event being organized by the AUSD Black Achievers Alliance in partnership with the City of Alameda and the BACR LEAPS Expanded Learning program. The event will take place from 6:30 to 8:30 pm in the Multi-Purpose Room at Ruby Bridges Elementary School. Additional details will be posted at www.alamedaca.gov.
At the event we will be collecting winter coats and non-perishable food items, including chili beans, raisins, trail mix, and sunflower seeds, as well as disposable containers and spoons. On February 25, the BACR LEAPS “Hearts & Hand” service project will prepare and distribute a hot meal along with warm coats to our fellow citizens in Alameda and lower Oakland who are currently homeless and living on the streets.
