Finger Lakes Today

At the February 2, 2023 City Council meeting Mayor Quill presented the 2023 Black History Month proclamation to Pauline Copes Johnson. Ms. Johnson's latest contribution to record and tell the stories of black history is her research on Mrs. Frances Brown who served as the Matron of the Harriet Tubman Home for the Aged. Later this year a historical marker will be placed on Parker Street in Auburn in front of Ms. Johnson's home which was the same home that Frances Brown resided when she worked for Tubman.

Proclaiming February 2023 as Black History Month...
WHEREAS, the Black experience throughout history is an enduring foundation upon which the Black community is built and stands, and the struggle and challenges overcome by African Americans throughout the centuries are inspiring to all Americans and reminders of the principles we share as a society; and

WHEREAS, Black History Week was initiated in February 1926; and for many years, the second week of February, chosen so as to coincide with the birthdays of Frederick Douglas and Abraham Lincoln, was celebrated by African Americans in the United States, and

WHEREAS, in 1976, as part of the nation’s bicentennial, Black History Week was expanded and became established as Black History Month, and is now celebrated all over North America; and

WHEREAS, the theme for 2023, “Black Resistance” explores how African Americans have resisted historic and ongoing oppression, in all forms since the nation's earliest days. Black resistance strategies have served as a model for every other social movement in the country, therefore, the legacy and importance of these actions cannot be understated; and

WHEREAS, As the-late Congressman John Lewis advised, “Do not get lost in a sea of despair. Be hopeful, be optimistic. Our struggle is not the struggle of a day, a week, a month, or a year, it is the struggle of a lifetime. Never, ever be afraid to make some noise and get in good trouble, necessary trouble.”; and

WHEREAS, as we take this opportunity to study the accomplishments of all African Americans throughout history, we reflect on the role of the Black community in our nation’s past, present, and future; to enrich our understanding of the history of Black America is to broaden our understanding of our nation’s history, and, during Black History Month, with appreciation for their contributions to all areas of American life and culture; and

WHEREAS, in 2023 thanks to the leadership of Ms. Pauline Copes Johnson, the City of Auburn will denote the story of the work of Mrs. Frances Brown who served as matron of the Harriet Tubman Home for the Aged and Indigent Negroes and John Brown Hall.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Michael D Quill, Mayor, do hereby proclaim February 2022 as the 46th year of

Black History Month

in the City of Auburn and urge all citizens to celebrate our diverse heritage and culture and continue our efforts to create a world that is more just, peaceful and prosperous for all.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the City of Auburn to be affixed this Second day of February 2023.
_________________________
Michael D. Quill, Mayor
City of Auburn, New York 

Original source can be found here.