The Montgomery County Council presented a proclamation recognizing February as Black History Month during a meeting Tuesday.
This year’s Black History Month theme in Montgomery County is Black health and wellness. Council President Gabe Albornoz praised the county’s public health leaders, Acting Health Officer Dr. James Bridgers and Health and Human Services Director Dr. Raymond Crowel, both of whom are African-American. He remembered former Health Officer Dr. Travis Gayles, who dealt with racist messages as he led the county’s pandemic public health response.
“We stand united in our fights against hate, which we know still exists today,” Albornoz said.
Crowel said the murder of George Floyd in 2020 made him feel “some kind of way” about where America was as a society and where he stood as a Black man in the U.S.
“Angry and frustrated and sad and hurt,” Crowel said, “and determined at the same time, and driven to try to do more.” Also during that year, he watched county and community health equity efforts in response to the pandemic and became proud. The road to COVID-19 recovery and addressing inequity is long, Crowel said, but it is important to look back and consider how far society has come.
“And to say thank you to those on whose shoulders we stand,” he said. Councilmember Will Jawando pointed out racial health disparities in HIV infections and COVID-19 rates.
“We’re going to make sure that we work together to address all the legacy and history that has led to these disparate statistics for our African American community,” Jawando said. Councilmember Craig Rice said long-term impacts of COVID-19 are largely unknown.
“So it will be incredibly important for us to remain vigilant to understand that those who were affected at a larger rate, those that are in our Black and brown communities, those that are socioeconomically impacted, continue to have the resources that are necessary to ensure their healthiness and wellbeing,” Rice said.
“This has not been an easy time for the Black community,” Councilmember Nancy Navarro said. “It has never been an easy time.”
She noted recent events like Floyd’s murder, the previous presidential administration and COVID-19. She hopes leaders continue collaboration and a sense of generosity and grace in order to create a better future.
Bridgers said this year’s Black History Month theme is an opportunity to “honor our past, celebrate our accomplishments and press forward for progress.”
“Press forward for progress,” he emphasized.
