MAYOR'S PROCLAMATION
FEBRUARY - BLACK HISTORY MONTH
WHEREAS, the month of February is officially celebrated as Black History Month, which dates back to 1926, when Dr. Carter G. Woodson set aside a special period of time in February to recognize the heritage and achievements of Black Americans; and
WHEREAS, the history of Black Americans is the story of extraordinary individuals whose achievements have set examples for the citizens of all races, one of them being Thomas Mundy Peterson a citizen of Perth Amboy; and
WHEREAS, on March 31, 1870, Thomas Mundy Peterson, the son of slaves owned by the Mundy family, became the first African American to vote in an election under the just-enacted provisions of the 15th Amendment to the United States Constitution; he was active in the Republican Party and became the City's first African American to hold elected office on the Middlesex County Commission and was also the city's first "colored" person to serve on a jury; and
WHEREAS, the City of Perth Amboy in recognition of all his accomplishments has honored Martin Luther King, Jr., by designating the entire length of Madison Avenue as "Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard"; and
WHEREAS, while the history of Black Americans is also the story of countless nameless heroes brought to our shores who endured lives of bondage and oppression, the deprivation of their civil rights, and the ravages of bigotry and racism, it is a history for which most of the chapters have yet to be written as Black Americans continue to contribute to the American promise.
NOW, THEREFORE, the Mayor of the City of Perth Amboy, in recognition of the importance of Black History monthurges all citizens of the City of Perth Amboy to recognize the contributions of African Americans in not only our City but in our country's history.
Hon. Wilda Diaz, Mayor
Dated: February 3, 2010