The Benton County Commissioners acknowledged the significance of Black History Month earlier this week with a proclamation and special event honoring the occasion.
Christopher Hughbanks, Linn Benton NAACP first vice president, read the proclamation.
“Black History Month provides a unique opportunity to celebrate and honor the invaluable contributions, achievements, resilience and cultural heritage of African Americans, who have played a vital role in shaping the history and identity of the United States,” Hughbanks said while reading the proclamation.
The Linn Benton NAACP aligns its mission with the broader objectives of the national organization. With a focus on promoting equality in political, educational, social and economic spheres, the organization has been a driving force for change in the mid-Willamette Valley for over half a century.
In 2024, Black History Month highlights the varied contributions of African Americans to music, literature, the visual arts and all aspects of contemporary culture.