24 - Temporary Placement of Banners Honoring Black History Month During FebruaryItem No. 24
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TO: Mayor, Mayor Pro -Tem & City Council
Grayson Path, City Manager
FROM: Kimmie Snowton, Police Community Outreach Coordinator
Richard Salter, Chief of Police
SUBJECT: PRESENTATION ABOUT TEMPORARY PLACEMENT OF BANNERS
HONORING BLACK HISTORY MONTH DURING FEBRUARY
DATE: January 22, 2024
BACKGROUND:
Every February, the United States celebrates the achievements and history of African Americans
as part of Black History Month. In 1926, the second week of February was dedicated to recognize
the contributions of African Americans to U.S. history. This week was chosen because it included
the birthdays of both Frederick Douglass, an abolitionist dedicated to the ending of slavery, and
U.S. President Abraham Lincoln who led the United States during the Civil War and issued the
Emancipation Proclamation, both of which helped lead to the ending of slavery. The week-long
event officially became Black History Month in 1976 when U.S. President Gerald Ford extended
the recognition to "honor the too -often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every
area of endeavor throughout our history." Black History Month has been celebrated in the United
States every February since.
STATUS OF ISSUE:
In preparation for the upcoming Black History Month, Mr. Kimmie Snowton, Community
Outreach Coordinator for the Paris Police Department, in collaboration with the local NAACP
Chapter seeks the City Councils' approval for the temporary placement of eight flags (in total) at
the Paris Historic Downtown Plaza. Four flags will be placed for two weeks followed by four new
flags for the remaining two weeks of February. While it is difficult to limit ourselves to eight, these
flags will be used to provide a brief recognition of eight individuals who have played a positive
and key role for African Americans in Paris, Texas. Our hope is that this will be well-received and
something that might be repeated again annually.
All flags would be subject to review and approval by the City Manager and City Attorney prior to
being displayed during the month of February honoring Black History Month. Staff is seeking
concurrence from City Council.
BUDGET:
The costs of the flags will be shared between the City of Paris and the NAACP for an estimated
total cost of $600.00 ($300.00 to be paid by each entity).
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve placement of temporary flags at the Paris Historic Downtown Plaza during the month of
February honoring local African Americans who have made a positive impact in our community.