City of Annapolis Recognizes Black History Month with 2023 Proclamation and City Events
On Wednesday, February 1, 2023, Mayor Gavin Buckley issued a proclamation recognizing February 2023 as Black History Month in the City of Annapolis. Historian and author Dr. Carter G. Woodson created “Negro History Week” in 1926 (during the Jim Crow era) to encourage the study of Black life and history. Black History Month was officially recognized by Presidential Proclamation in 1976 as part of the nation’s bicentennial celebrations. It aims to honor the contributions African Americans have made and to recognize their sacrifices.
“Celebrating the contributions of African Americans honors not only Black History, but Annapolis’ history,” said Mayor Gavin Buckley. “We are proud to host events and activities throughout the month to share, learn, and grow.”
In addition, members of the Annapolis City Council and Mayor’s Office Staff will be celebrating and honoring Black History throughout the month. Activities include:
| Feb. 1-28 | Annapolis Black History Walking Tour | Daily social media campaign to highlight significant destinations in and around Annapolis |
| Feb. 3 | Black History Month Mixer | Peerless Rens Club, 5 p.m., hosted by Alderman DaJuan Gay |
| Feb. 5, 12, 19, and 26 | City Council Citation Presentation to African-American Churches | Asbury United Methodist Church, 11 a.m., Feb. 5 with Ald. Elly Tierney — Mt. Olive Church, time TBA, Feb. 12 with Ald. Rhonda Pindell-Charles — Mt. Moriah Church, 10:30 a.m., Feb. 19 with Ald. DaJuan Gay — Mt. Zion Church, 11 a.m., Feb. 26 with Ald. Sheila Finlayson and Ald. Ross Arnett |
| Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27 | “Our Black Annapolis” History Video Series | On the City of Annapolis YouTube channel, this video series will highlight the stories of prominent African American members of the Annapolis community |
| Feb. 13 | Comacell Brown Artist Reception | Ellen Moyer Art Gallery, City Hall, 7 p.m. |
| Feb. 18 | Maryland Recipe Hunt – Collection and Local Food Tasting | Pip Moyer Recreation Center, 3 to 7 p.m. |
| FEb. 24 | Black History Month Celebration | City Council Chambers, City Hall, 6 p.m. |
| Feb. 25 | Annapolis 2 Africa | Pip Moyer Recreation Center, 2 to 7 p.m. |