Black History Month in Seattle
Virtual Collection, BHM
- Description
- The Seattle Public Library collaborated with the Seattle Urban League as one of the first local government institutions to establish an annual tradition of hosting events celebrating Black Americans and the history of the Black community in the Pacific Northwest. The Seattle Urban League procured artifacts, books, artwork and other educational materials created by Black Americans which were used in exhibits at the library and in Seattle Public School curriculum. Since 1937, Seattle Public Library has invited the public to celebrate by attending a series of events, including speakers, musical performances, film festivals/screenings, theatrical performances, authors, poets and historians.
Mayor Gordon S. Clinton proclaimed “Negro History Week” the second week in February each year from 1959-1961. Mayor Braman declared February 12-20, 1966 the week to celebrate Black history in Seattle.
On February 6, 1995 the Seattle City Council unanimously adopted Resolution 29075 “proclaiming February, 1995 as African American History Month” and on February 22, 2000, passed Resolution 30124, “acknowledging Black History Month and celebrating the inestimable importance of African-Americans in American History”. An annual proclamation by the Mayor and resolutions from Seattle City Council have continued since then.
The national theme for Black History Month in 2021 is “Black Family: Representation, Identity and Diversity” and explores the African diaspora, and the spread of Black families across the United States.
This virtual collection contains records relating to Black History Month celebrations sponsored by the City of Seattle.