Press release from Buncombe County:
For the first time ever, Buncombe County is celebrating Black Legacy Month. On Feb. 1, the Board of Commissioners approved a proclamation stating that rather than a focus solely on past contributions of Black and African-American communities, Black Legacy Month is a celebration and recognition of Black culture in Buncombe County’s past, present, and future. This month and every month, Buncombe County celebrates and learns from the past and strives to uplift present-day achievements, accomplishments, and contributions of Black people
“The concept of legacy correlates well with the Ghanaian/Twi language word ’Sankofa,’ which literally means “to go back and get it”, it refers to gathering that which is most valuable and precious of the past, bringing that knowledge into the present, with the goal of building a better future,” explains Buncombe County Equity and Human Rights Officer Rachel Edens. “As we explore community reparations, interrogate our policies, processes, and procedures through an equity lens, and implement the Racial Equity Action Plan, I believe that we are acting in the spirit of Sankofa and uplifting the legacy of Black people and Black communities in Buncombe County.”
Commissioner Whitesides read the proclamation and shared, “Since 1976, every U.S. president has designated February as Black History month…Black history gives everyone a chance to share, celebrate, and understand the significance of Black heritage and culture.”
In part, the proclamation reads:
WHEREAS, Buncombe County is committed to creating an inclusive community that celebrates diversity and ensures all residents have equitable opportunities to lead healthy, peaceful, safe and sustainable lives; and
WHEREAS, in honoring the cultures, traditions and accomplishments of Black and African Americans that have shaped our country, we also acknowledge our nation’s history of colonialism that has Inflicted slavery, discrimination, deprivation, violence and genocide upon Black people; and
WHEREAS in 1926, Carter G. Woodson and Minister Jesse E. Moorland laid the foundation for Black History Month because the achievements of Black Americans were all but erased from national history and underrepresented in important policy decisions; and
WHEREAS in 1976, President Gerald Ford made Black History Month a national observance; and
WHEREAS, during Black History Month, we celebrate the many achievements and contributions made by Black Americans like Nina Simone, Roberta Flack, E.W. Pearson, and Isaac Dickson to Buncombe County’s economic, cultural, spiritual, and political development; and
Click here to view the full proclamation.
To learn more about the Buncombe County Equity & Human Rights Office and the Buncombe County Racial Equity Action Plan, click here.
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