On January 28, the Genesee County Board of Commissioners voted to approve a resolution recognizing February as Black History Month for 2026.

Here is the text of the resolution:

WHEREAS, the history of the United States is inextricably linked to the contributions, achievements, and resilience of African Americans, and the study and recognition of Black history is essential to a complete understanding of our nation’s and our community’s shared heritage; and

WHEREAS, Genesee County has been profoundly shaped by the leadership and civic engagement of its African American residents, and the history of the local community ties directly to the national story of race and freedom; and

WHEREAS, the late Mayor Floyd J. McCree (pictured right) of Flint demonstrated historic leadership as one of the first African American mayors of a major U.S. city, advocating for civil rights and equitable representation; and

WHEREAS, the activism of local citizens and leaders in Genesee County such as Woodrow “Woody” Etherly, Jr., and Olive Beasley (pictured right) contributed to the broader movement for equality, including the passage of pivotal legislation such as the Fair Housing Act of 1968, which sought to eliminate discrimination in housing and remains a cornerstone of civil rights law; and

WHEREAS, local historian and researcher Katheryn Hunter-Williams has collected stories of the Underground Railroad in Genesee County, including documenting at least two homes in Fenton where families sheltered previously enslaved Black people as they escaped to Canada; and

WHEREAS, the story of Robert J. Cromwell is memorialized through a historical marker on the grounds of the Genesee County Courthouse, which explains that Mr. Cromwell (pictured below right) escaped enslavement in Missouri, traveling to Genesee County where he became a barber, only to be pursued by his captor and protected by a crowd of local citizens who refused to let him be taken back into bondage; and

WHEREAS, the Genesee County education system has been significantly impacted by pioneering African American educators and administrators, including Melvin Banner, who served as a respected educator and administrator and as a role model for educational equity; Willa Hawkins, who served as one of the first African American principals of a local school, breaking barriers and setting a precedent for educational leadership and also serving as a Genesee County Commissioner; and Dr. Nathel Burtley, who served as the first African American Superintendent of an area local school; and

WHEREAS, the month of February has long been recognized nationally as a time to honor the accomplishments and central role of African Americans in history.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that this Board of County Commissioners of Genesee County, Michigan hereby designates the month of February 2026 as Black History Month in Genesee County, Michigan.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board encourages all residents, educational institutions, businesses, and community organizations to observe this month with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities that reflect upon the enduring legacy and ongoing contributions of African Americans to the social, cultural, economic, and political fabric of our county and nation.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Genesee County Clerk/Register is directed to 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.