News
Black History Month Proclamation
Dr. Marvin Dejear, Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer at Greater Des Moines Partnership; Keshia Fields, Diversity, Inclusion and Organizational Development Specialist at Polk County; Ken Morris, Jr., Chief Diversity Officer at Ankeny Community School District
A proclamation honoring Black History Month was introduced during the Polk County Board of Supervisors board meeting Tuesday morning, February 7, 2023. It was read by Steve Van Oort, Polk County Supervisor and presented to ACSD’s Chief Diversity Officer, Ken Morris, Jr. “I was honored to recieve the Polk County Board of Supervisors Black History Month proclamation. This is particularly meaningful as our state is moving to rewrite history. I believe we are better together and it is in our differences that lies our humanity.”
Keshia Fields, Diversity, Inclusion and Organizational Development Specialist for Polk County said, “The Polk County Black History Month Proclamation was created to honor African Americans throughout history and especially individuals in our own community that have helped shape the county. So many have or are currently during amazing work to make sure that African Americans who live, work and play in Polk County, receive fair treatment, access, and overall a sense of community when they step foot in Polk County. We need to always pay homage and remember these individuals, because they truly helped pave the way for belonging.”
The proclamation says the celebration of Black History Month traces back to 1915 when Dr. Carter G. Woodson and minister Jesse E. Moorland founded the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), an organization dedicated to researching and promoting achievements by Black Americans and other peoples of African decent.
It also serves to honor the contributions, sacrifices, and accomplishments of African Americans in the community and throughout the history of the nation.
In issuing the proclamation, Supervisor Van Oort encouraged all residents to observe this month by participating in programs, partnerships, activities, and events taking place to celebrate Black history.