Item Number:
Meeting Date:

4a_proclamation
February 10,2026

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PROCLAMATION
OF THE PORT OF SEATTLE COMMISSION

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WHEREAS, Black history is American history, and for over a century, Black Americans have
led the fight for equity, justice, and opportunity, reshaping our culture, laws, and
democracy in ways that continue to resonate today; and
WHEREAS, the Port of Seattle is committed to racial equity and confronting anti-Black racism
by embedding inclusion, belonging, and fairness across its operations and
leadership, reflecting our diverse communities, creating an equitable culture, and
ensuring that opportunities expand economic and social well-being for all; and
WHEREAS, 2026 marks a century of national Black history commemorations, honoring the
vision and leadership of Dr. Carter G. Woodson and the founders of the Association
for the Study of Negro Life and History, whose work institutionalized the study,
celebration, and preservation of Black history and affirmed the countless
contributions of Black Americans to the cultural, economic, political, and social
foundations of this nation; and
WHEREAS, from that vision and leadership, the roots of Black History Week grew to Black
History Month, and these observances have transformed how Black Americans
view themselves, how the world recognizes their contributions, and emphasizes the
enduring power of remembrance, education, and celebration; and
WHEREAS, the Port of Seattle honors the historic and ongoing contributions of Black leaders,
Black employees, and all Black Americans to the economic, cultural, and social life
of King County and beyond, including through leadership at the Port, participation
in Employee Resource Groups, engagement with the Change Team, involvement
with Blacks In Government, and the everyday actions of our Port family advancing
justice and equity; and
WHEREAS, Blacks In Government is part of a national non-profit organization that celebrated
its 50th anniversary last year. We are an inclusive organization and invite everyone
to share our purpose, and join in our mission, as we work toward achieving our
vision; and

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WHEREAS, Blacks In Government's purpose is to advance equity and empowerment for Black
public servants by fostering a community where learning and leadership strengthen
both individual potential and collective progress. Our mission is to create avenues
for educational opportunities, career advancement, and to provide a mechanism for
inclusion, growth, and advocacy. Our vision is a mosaic that embodies the belief
that all people, regardless of race, color, gender, gender identity, religion, or
citizenship status, can embrace who they are, define their future, and change the
world; and
WHEREAS, at a time when the current federal administration is actively attempting to erase
Black history, restrict truthful education, and dismantle hard-won civil rights gains,
the Port of Seattle unequivocally acknowledges that Black Americans-many of
whom were forced to build this nation through enslavement, exploitation, and
systemic dehumanization-have shaped every aspect of the United States, and we
reject any effort to deny, distort, or diminish that reality; and
WHEREAS, the Port of Seattle Commission continues to elevate and honor the contributions of
Black Americans through sustained institutional commitment, inclusive policies,
education, and recognition, ensuring that Black history is preserved, celebrated, and
carried forward as an essential and living part of our shared civic and cultural story.
NOW, THEREFORE, the Port of Seattle Commission proclaims February 2026 as Black
History Month, honoring the legacy of those who paved the way, those advancing equity today,
and all members of the Port family committed to justice, inclusion, and Black excellence.
Proclaimed by the Port of Seattle Commission on this 10th day of February 2026.

Port of Seattle Commission

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Port of Seattle Commission