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A RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING FEBRUARY 2023 AS BLACK HISTORY MONTH AND HONORING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF AFRICAN AMERICANS IN THE CITY OF GAHANNA
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WHEREAS, in February 1926, the first annual week (now celebrated as a month) was held to honor and raise awareness of the contributions of African Americans to civilization and culture; and
WHEREAS, in July 1927, Ohio Civil Rights leader Nimrod B. Allen and seven other prominent Black leaders incorporated the Big Walnut Country Club, one of the first Black country clubs in the United States, on land that is now Friendship Park in the City of Gahanna - facts uncovered by the research of Gahanna Historical Society member Christy Evans; and
WHEREAS, the two parcels where the Big Walnut Country Club was located were owned by William Jones, whose daughter Cora Thurman (Jones) was the first African American graduate of Gahanna High School in 1913; and
WHEREAS, in September 2022, the City of Gahanna celebrated the first historical marker in the city, which commemorates the Big Walnut Country Club, a hub of recreation and social and political activity for Central Ohio's growing Black population during a time of intense segregation in Columbus; and
WHEREAS, the theme for Black History Month 2023 is "Black Resistance", acknowledging that African Americans have resisted historic and ongoing oppression, in all forms, through actions such as sit-ins, boycotts, walk outs, strikes, and marches in the fight for justice and equality in all sectors of society; 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 2023 as Black History Month and honors the contributions of African Americans in the City of Gahanna.
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