Proclamations

In attendance at the Tumwater City Council meeting on Feb. 17, are (from left) Councilor Peter Agabi, Mayor Pro Tem Kelly Von Holtz, Councilors Angela Jefferson and Brandon Weedon, New Life Baptist Church Rev. David Reaves and National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) of Thurston County President Larry Jefferson, NAACP of Thurston County First Vice President Talauna Reed, Councilors Eileen Swarthout and Meghan Sullivan, and Mayor Leatta Dahlhoff. Reaves and Jefferson hold copies of the proclamation issued by Dahlhoff recognizing February as Black History Month.

Members of National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) of Thurston County were busy on Feb. 17 as they represented the organization at Black History Month proclamations around the county.

In attendance to hear from community leaders at the Board of Thurston County Commissioners meeting in the afternoon were NAACP Thurston County board members President Larry Jefferson, First Vice President Talauna Reed, Interim Treasurer Dr. Thelma Jackson, as well as other organization members.

Board Vice Chair and County Commissioner Wayne Fournier read the proclamation, the final statement of which reads, “Whereas Black history is past, present and future, while commemorating the outstanding legacy and strength of African American and Black people is important, we must also meaningfully engage in the present and invest intentionally in a more equitable and prosperous future.”

At the Tumwater City Council meeting that commenced at 7 p.m., Jefferson and Reed were joined by New Life Baptist Church the Rev. David Reaves to hear the reading of the city’s proclamation and words from each council member and the mayor.

Kicking off the meeting with a round robin reading of the proclamation by the councilors, Mayor Leatta Dahlhoff concluded by saying, “I call upon the people of the city of Tumwater to celebrate the contributions of African Americans that are central to society, including civic, economic, professional, medical, scientific, military and artistic excellence.”

Jefferson and Reaves spoke.

In introducing himself, Jefferson noted that when he first moved to Thurston County as a child, he avoided Tumwater saying, “there was no welcoming.”

He described how his struggles with the racism that was present in the county was challenged for him personally by the Black community members who took him under their wings. He told of how Dr. Thelma Jackson, Barbara O’Neill and Stone Thomas lifted him up and kept him going.

He also noted how he believes that proclamations like the one issued on the 17th send an important message to the community.

“Tumwater is saying, ‘We appreciate every person who is contributing – contributing – to this place’,” Jefferson said.

While recognizing the commitment to inclusion, he encouraged action.

“I think it's a miraculous thing that you're doing, and it's actually, with the climate that we have, it's a scary thing that you're doing. But I need you to do it. I need you to have my back. I need you to love my family,” he said.

Reaves stepped to the podium and also told of discrimination’s impact on his family, including a story of the childhood death of an uncle from a stray bullet.

“Black History Month is not just about famous names or distant struggles,” said Reaves.

In describing how history teaches us that opportunity has not always been spread evenly, he noted that his own children are excelling and thriving because they have opportunities to show their talents.

“Certainly, talent is universal, but opportunity has not always been. Our shared responsibility is to close that gap,” he said.

Like Jefferson, Reaves left the assembly with a call to further action.

“Thank you for this proclamation, and may it not simply mark only a month, but renew a commitment here in Tumwater to build a community where every student, every family and every citizen, and drink deeply from the well of opportunity, safety and hope,” concluded Reaves.

Each councilor spoke, offering their own experiences and commitment to expanding the proclamation’s intent.

Mayor Pro Tem Kelly Von Holtz was not the only speaker to comment on the recent passing of Rev. Jesse Jackson and his impact on their understanding of civil rights and cross-cultural coalition.

She mentioned that her high school’s motto was a quote from the reverend that focused on the creation of equity in a society not being a part time job. “It's something you have to commit to, and you have to do it every single day. And we're all a part of this,” she said. “I hope that we continue to be a more welcoming community where everyone feels like they belong.”

Councilor Peter Agabi made the salient comment that when our history is not a full and accurate accounting of what all people have contributed, it is too easy for people to get the impression that some have not been significant contributors to society.

“History has been waiting. We can’t correct what happened in the past. We can correct what happens in the future,” he said.

Councilor Angela Jefferson mentioned that she was one of the early members of NAACP Thurston County.

“Civil rights and the fight for justice is alive and well in Tumwater,” she said. “I'm proud of this city. I'm proud of this community. As an immigrant, this means so much to me, because I feel a love and I feel a respect when you voted for me overwhelmingly to represent you here on this dais. And with that, I say, thank you.”

Councilor Meghan Sullivan keyed in on remarks by Reaves.

“I was moved by the reverend's words about this being a renewal of our commitment to tell the truth and to keep working side by side, arm in arm with our neighbors, to advance that future, and I'm here to do that work with all of you and grateful to be a part of this tonight,” she said.

Councilor Eileen Swarthout echoed comments on the current social and political climate made by others throughout the night.

“My heart goes out to people now in this time and so but I really appreciate you saying that that you feel safe and that you feel good,” she said in response to Jefferson’s earlier comments.

She also pointed to a specific action being taken by the city to further improve conditions in the community by noting, “We do have our equity commission coming forward, and we're doing that, so we’re making progress.”

Joining the meeting virtually, Councilor Joan Cathey expounded on what she sees as the promise of a new commission that will focus on ensuring equity for all community members.

“When this group commits to something, we try very hard to do it, and often we accomplish it,” she said. “I believe you can count on the Tumwater City Council.”

Councilor Brandon Weedon told the crowd that this is the first proclamation he has written for the council and was honored to do so, expressing that people must be proactive in furthering the goal of equity and inclusion.

“It's not enough at this time to just say we're not racist. You actively have to fight racism,” he said. “Hold this council accountable. Hold myself accountable; I have your back. I will be there. I will stand beside you, and I just appreciate your stories.”

Dahlhoff wrapped up this portion of the meeting by sharing that much of her own impetus for running for mayor was to model the way for her community.

“We define what our community looks like and it’s the diversity of everyone, right? And that our work here, and me implementing what council passes, is that everyone has the opportunity to thrive and be the best versions of themselves, and they get to decide that, and that's why we are here. It still gives me goose bumps. It's terrifying and thrilling at the same time, the amount of responsibility that we have dealing with today and shaping tomorrow,” she said.

Black History Month activities continue throughout the month, and other events occur at other parts of the year. Check the website for the NAACP Thurston County for more information at www.naacpthurston.org. Black History Month activities at New Life Baptist Church can be found at www.nlbclacey.com.