Governor Proclaims Anti-Lynching Awareness Month

Anti-Lynching Awareness Month

2025

By The Governor Of The State Of North Carolina

A Proclamation

Whereas, North Carolina's history is characterized by a complex past. Over the course of that history, North Carolina has been a witness to cruel acts of violence against the people who call this state home; it is important that families of those victims know that the State of North Carolina recognizes these atrocities and their impact on communities across our state; and

Whereas, a dozen counties across the state from Warren to Mecklenburg, from Buncombe to New Hanover have formed local coalitions, partnering with organizations such as the Equal Justice Initiative, Northeastern University, and the NAACP, to memorialize documented victims of racial terror throughout history and foster a restorative approach to healing; and

Whereas, historians have documented at least 173 individuals in North Carolina who were victims of lynching since the Civil War, with too many more victims yet unknown; and

Whereas, lynchings were carried out around the state of North Carolina by vigilantes, local, county, and state authorities; no charges or accountability for these lynchings have since been acknowledged; and

Whereas, by advancing policies and practices that expand human and civil rights, we can eliminate discrimination and further the well-being, education, and economic security of Black people and all persons of color; and

Whereas, during this month of June and moving forward the State of North Carolina encourages continued and comprehensive research on all lynched victims in our state, while acknowledging the criminal act; and

Whereas, let us mourn and recognize lynched victims across North Carolina with flags flying half staff and with a moment of silence;

Now, Therefore, I, Josh Stein, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim June 2025, as “Anti-Lynching Awareness Month” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Great Seal of the State of North Carolina at the Capitol in Raleigh this thirtieth day of May in the year of our Lord two thousand and twenty-fifth and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth.