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s Proclamation RECOGNIZING BLACK HISTORY MONTH IN INDIAN RIVER COUNTY Whereas, Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by Black Americans and a time for recognizing the critical role of African Americans in U.S. history; and Whereas, the 2023 National Black History Month theme is "Black Resistance," which celebrates the peaceful resistance methods African Americans have employed to overcome oppression in all forms; and Whereas, for generations, Black faith institutions have been spaces where communities found sanctuary during times of crisis, organized resistance efforts, and inspired citizens of all races to participate in their movements; and Whereas, the success of the American Civil Rights Movement and the fight for racial equality in the United States is a testament to the determination of millions of African Americans who fought against discrimination using a strategy seeking equal rights without violence, taking to the streets for peaceful protest, acts of civil disobedience, and economic boycotts; and I -Whereas, in 1965, as a galvanizing example of the power of peaceful resistance, John Lewis led over• 600 marchers across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, in the face of brutal attacks by oncoming state troopers, resulting in video footage that shocked our nation, fueled the fight against racial injustice, ano prompted Congress to pass the landmark 1965 Voting Rights Act; and -Whereas, Black Americans have achieved many other triumphs since the latter half of the twentieth century, including the dismantling of Jim and Jane Crow segregation in the South; increased political representation at all levels of government; desegregation of educational institutions; the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; the opening of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History in Washington, D.C.; and increased and diverse representation of Black experiences in media. X&w, '11herefore, be it Proclaimed by the Board of County Commissioners of Indian River County, ,Florida, that the Board hereby recognizes Black History Month in Indian River County and the pivotal role Black resistance strategies have played both in achieving lasting results and serving as examples for other social movements in our country, a legacy that cannot be overstated. Adopted this 21st day of February, 2023. BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS, INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, FLORIDA Joseph H. Earman, Chairman Susan Adams, Vice Chairperson Joseph E. Flescher Deryl Loar Laura Moss 4