The Oakland City Council will consider a resolution Feb. 4 to honor civic, faith and community leaders who have contributed to Oakland’s unique place in African American history and culture.

The resolution will be introduced by Councilmember Lynette Gibson McElhaney in connection with Black History Month.

Lynette Gibson McElhaney

“Oakland holds an important place in history of the United States overall and has played an important role in Black American History in particular,” said McElhaney. “From the organizing work of the Longshoreman and Pullman Porters to the Black Panthers to arts, music and culture: what happens here matters,” says Councilmember McElhaney.

BlackHistory Month began in 1925 as a weeklong celebration, created by historian Dr. Carter G. Woodson as an antidote to the mainstream publications and textbooks that overlooked, ignored, suppressed and distorted the contributions of African Americans.

Among the institutions and people who will be honored are: Geoffrey Pete, Marcus Books, Ile Omode School, Ellen Parkinson, Oscar Wright, Ben Tapscott, J. Alfred Smith Sr., Ernestine Reems, Bob Jackson, Gillette James, Newton and Sallie T. Carey, Elaine Brown and Bobby Seale.

Others will be honored throughout the month.

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