WHEREAS, in 1976, as Americans celebrated the national bicentennial, President Gerald Ford urged the Nation to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history” and for the first time, Black History Month was celebrated nationwide; and

WHEREAS, President Ford’s words rang true to the Nation, and in that spirit we recognize and celebrate the incredible roles African Americans have played in our history and their contributions to our State; and

WHEREAS, the theme of Black History Month 2025 is “African Americans and Labor,” which focuses on the invaluable contributions of African Americans in the workforce; and

WHEREAS, the strong and positive influence that African Americans have had on our State began long before statehood as African American men migrated to Alaska to work as whalers, fur traders, and gold miners; and

WHEREAS, we have long benefitted from the contributions of outstanding African American men and women, including Willard Bowman, who moved to Alaska after serving in the U.S. Navy, was appointed the first Director of the Alaska Human Rights Commission in 1963, and later served three terms in the Alaska House of Representatives; and

WHEREAS, this month we honor our African American neighbors, their accomplishments and contributions, and celebrate the distinct influence they have on the cultural fabric of our Great State.

NOW THEREFORE, I, Mike Dunleavy, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF ALASKA, do hereby proclaim February 2025 as:

Black History Month

in Alaska and encourage all Alaskans to recognize the continuing impact African Americans have on our State and the lasting contributions they bring to the success of our communities.

Dated: February 1, 2025