Kirkland Celebrates Black History Month
Published on February 03, 2021
Media Contact:
Joy Johnston
Interim Communications Program Manager
jjohnston@kirklandwa.gov
425-979-6562
Community Invited to Join in Conversations in February and Year-Round
KIRKLAND, Wash. – On February 2, 2021, the Kirkland City Council proclaimed the month of February 2021 as Black History Month in Kirkland. The community is invited to join in commemorating the countless contributions of Black people to our region, our nation, and the world, as well as participate in conversations about race, racism, and racial justice.
“During Black History Month, we reflect on the extraordinary perseverance and achievements of Black people. We acknowledge the deep-rooted generational racism that continues to plague our society today and commit to the anti-racism work needed to dismantle systemic racism. And together, we celebrate the significant contributions of Black people to the social, artistic, cultural, political, economic, and spiritual advancements in the United States and beyond,” said Kirkland City Councilmember Amy Falcone. “We also encourage all Kirkland community members to join in important conversations about race, racism, equity, and social justice this month and throughout the year.”
The City is hosting upcoming virtual conversations for the community. The first of these events, the Virtual Community Conversation about Racial Justice, will be held on Thursday, February 4 at 5:30 p.m. and will be facilitated by Chanin Kelly-Rae of Chanin Kelly-Rae Consulting. The community is also invited to join KirklandTalks: 2021 Dialogue Series on Race and Racism, an interactive session featuring structured dialogues on race and racism facilitated by Debbie Lacy, Founder and CEO of Eastside For All, and Nura Adam, Founder and Executive Director of the Immigrant Women’s Community Center (IWCC). The first event of the series is on Saturday, February 20 at 10:00 a.m. via Zoom.
The City strives to create a Kirkland where Black people feel safe and respected and interpersonal, institutional and structural racism no longer exists. On August 4, 2020 the City passed legislation committing to examining and dismantling institutional and structural racism in Kirkland. The legislation, Resolution R-5434, outlined actions for the City to take and on February 16, there will be an update to the community on several of these actions at the City Council study session.
“We have intentionally centered the City’s work around the lived experiences of Black people as we chart a path forward toward a community in which every resident and visitor to Kirkland feels safe and respected,” said Councilmember Neal Black. “By coming together and engaging in open dialogue, we help create the ‘Beloved Community’ envisioned by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., where security, opportunity, and justice are the birthright of every human being.”
To learn more about upcoming events, the City of Kirkland’s commitment to end structural racism, and how to get involved, visit the City’s website.
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