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A RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING AND HONORING BLACK HISTORY MONTH.
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WHEREAS, Dr. Carter G. Woodson promoted Negro History Week in 1926, which has since evolved into a month-long celebration; and
WHEREAS, President Gerald Ford made Black History Month a national holiday, after recognizing “the too-often neglected accomplishment of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history,” in a 1976 speech to mark the United States’ Bicentennial; and
WHEREAS, the Big Walnut Country Club was one of the first Black country clubs in the United States whose significance and history should be publicly honored and celebrated; and
WHEREAS, Ohio Civil Rights leader Nimrod B. Allen and seven other prominent Black leaders established the Big Walnut Country Club in 1927, on land that is now Friendship Park; and
WHEREAS, the Big Walnut Country Club was a rural retreat in Gahanna (Mifflin Township) for the Black community, following The Great Migration and intense segregation in Columbus; and
WHEREAS, the theme for Black History Month 2022 is “Black Health and Wellness”, acknowledging the legacy of Black and African American scholars and medical practitioners, and also other ways of knowing (e.g., birth workers, doulas, midwives, naturopaths, healers, etc.) throughout the African continent and African diaspora; and
WHEREAS, Dr. William Method and Dr. R. Milton Tribbitt, two of the eight founding members of the Big Walnut Country Club, were pioneering Black physicians who established Alpha Hospital (Columbus, OH) in 1921, allowing Black physicians to freely practice medicine; and
WHEREAS, during Black History Month, we celebrate the many achievements and contributions made by Black and African American thinkers, scientists, educators, faith leaders, artists, business people, political leaders, etc.; and
WHEREAS, the Gahanna City Council is proud to honor the Black and African American community, its rich history, and its significant contributions in Gahanna, throughout our state, and across the nation.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GAHANNA, COUNTY OF FRANKLIN, STATE OF OHIO:
Section 1. That this Council does hereby recognize February 2022 as Black History Month for the City of Gahanna.
Section 2. That this Resolution shall be in full force and effect at the earliest period allowed by law.