Photo above: Flint’s Floyd McCree, known to history as the first African American mayor of a major U.S. city.

During Wednesday’s Regular Meeting of the Genesee County Board of Commissioners, members passed the following resolution recognizing February as Black History Month. The resolution was brought to the full board by District 8 Commissioner Dale K. Weighill.

WHEREAS, Genesee County believes in honoring and celebrating the accomplishments of its current residents as well as all those who assisted in building our wonderfully diverse and vibrant community over its 189-year-history; and

WHEREAS, African-Americans living in every corner of Genesee County have contributed immensely to our community’s storied history and to the rich quality of life which we enjoy today; and

WHEREAS, members of the African-American community have played critical and unique roles within all areas of human endeavor within Genesee County, including labor, business, government, medicine, health and human services, education, science, arts and culture, sports, and philanthropy; and

WHEREAS, residents of Genesee County have been at the forefront of the Civil Rights movement in meaningful ways, including Flint’s selection of the first African-American mayor of a major city, the successful fight for a landmark open housing ordinance, and actively and forcefully speaking truth to power during the Flint Water Crisis; and

WHEREAS, Genesee County has an official commitment to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the form of both a formal resolution and through the establishment of the Genesee County Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Commission; and

WHEREAS, Genesee County aspires to expand its role as a convener to enhance relationships that contribute to the growth of our community by bringing together diverse people and ideas to enhance the quality of life for all residents; and

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Genesee County Board of Commissioners proclaims “Black History Month” in Genesee County and encourages all County Departments to engage in celebratory activities and appropriate recognitions; and 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Genesee County Clerk and Register of Deeds provide one copy of this Resolution to each city, village, and township within Genesee County and to each County Clerk in the State of Michigan.