During Monday’s regular Council Meeting, Councilman, Thomas Bronson, read a proclamation setting aside the month of February as Black History Month, a time to recognize individuals contributing to the history, culture, and heritage of African Americans.
Councilman Thomas Bronson reflected on the mural honoring Jerome Brown, who was idolized on the football field and was well known for unifying our community to bring all colors, races, genders, no matter what, and for bringing the residents together as a family, as one, as Brooksville. Although a potential pro-baller and hall-of-fame recipient, his impact in the community was more than he could have ever done on the football field. Bronson looked up to Jerome Brown not just because he played defense tackle position like Jerome Brown, but for how he brought the community together, a feat much bigger than football.
Negro History Week began in 1926 as a week-long celebration which was initiated by Carter G. Woodson, Founder of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). Dr. Woodson, also known as the “Father of Black History”, designated the second week in February to honor both Fredrick Douglas, an escaped slave who became a prominent activist, author, public speaker and leader in the abolitionist movement and Abraham Lincoln, the United States 16th President who issued the Emancipation Proclamation that declared forever free those slaves within the Confederacy in 1863.
In 1976, ASALH expanded the celebration of Black History Week to a month-long celebration of Black History. This year, the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) has selected the theme, “Black Resistance” to advocate for a dignified self-determined life in a just democratic society in the United States and beyond the United States political jurisdiction.
By proclaiming the month of February 2023 as Black History Month all residents are invited to observe this month with appropriate programs, activities and reflections and continue our efforts to create a world that is more just, equitable and prosperous for all.
For information regarding the proclamation contact the City of Brooksville at 352-540-3810 or cob-info@cityofbrooksville.us or for more information on Black History Month visit ASALH at https://asalh.org/about-us/about-black-history-month/.