Previous Item Print Next Item
Agenda Plus
School Board of Clay County
February 3, 2022 - Regular School Board Meeting
Title
C7 - Proclamation #22-08 to Establish February 2022 as Black History Month in Clay County Public Schools
Description

Each year, the month of February is recognized as a time to learn more about black history, build social awareness and celebrate the progress, richness, and diversity of African American achievement. During the 1920s, Dr. Carter Godwin Woodson, the preeminent historian and founder of the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, spearheaded the creation of “Negro History Week” because he was concerned that the contributions of black Americans were overlooked or misrepresented. Therefore, he began lobbying for “Black History Week.” 

In 1976, Dr. Woodson’s legacy, now renamed the Association for the Study of Afro-American Life and History, successfully lobbied to extend “Black History Week” into a month-long observance in February. This observance is a testimony to those African pioneers who struggled to affirm the humanity of African people.

Gap Analysis

This proclamation will promote the School Board of Clay County’s commitment to recognize and appreciate African American achievements.

Previous Outcomes

Every year, during the month of February, Clay County Public Schools commemorates the achievements of African Americans. These planned school and classroom activities accompany a standards-based approach to infusing African-American experiences, perspectives, history, and accomplishments into the curriculum throughout the year. The district’s system-level approach has resulted in greater equity and outcomes for African-American students. According to Spring 2021 FSA ELA data, the achievement gap between white and African-American students in Clay County was ten points below the state average (19 vs. 29 percentage points).

Expected Outcomes

Strive to close the equity and outcome gaps for Black American students through policies and practices that reflect the experiences of Black  American students, ensure greater access and opportunity, and honor history, heritage, and contributions.

Strategic Plan Goal

Goal:  1 -  Develop great educators and leaders

Strategy: 1.1 - Develop a high quality and aligned instructional system

Recommendation

Proclaim February 2022 as Black History Month in Clay County Public Schools

Contact
Roger Dailey, Chief Academic Officer, 904.336.6904 roger.dailey@myoneclay.net
Financial Impact
None
Review Comments
Attachments
Black History Month Proclamation.pdf