WHEREAS, Black History Month reminds us of our responsibility to honor the contributions and achievements of African Americans and their pivotal role in shaping our state and nation; and
WHEREAS, North Carolina is home to the largest number of four-year, degree-granting Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) in the nation; our ten HBCUs have a rich heritage steeped in activism, service, and innovation dating back to the foundation of Shaw University in 1865; and
WHEREAS, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University leads the nation in cutting-edge scientific research and produces the greatest number of African American engineers and agricultural scientists in the country; and North Carolina Central University, one of the top recognized HBCUs for its STEM research, was awarded the National Science Foundation grant to establish an environmental justice hub and research center; and
WHEREAS, African Americans have long played a vital role in advancing science, technology, engineering, and math in our state, including trailblazing African American women from North Carolina; such as Mary Elliott Hill, one of the earliest known African American organic and analytical chemists from South Mills, North Carolina; and
WHEREAS, North Carolina is home to the Research Tringle Park (RTP) where many leading science and technology companies are working to improve diversity and inclusion within the fields science, technology, engineering, mathematics and clean energy; and
WHEREAS, our state strives to create more opportunities for all North Carolinians by recruiting businesses that value diversity, inclusion and equity; and these businesses seek diverse, talented STEM applicants to join their workforce.
WHEREAS, North Carolina cultivates strong STEM education and a strong STEM workforce with contributions from countless African American scientists, researchers, educators, and innovators revolutionizing the field of STEM; and
WHEREAS, the state of North Carolina has designated February 2022 as Black History Month to recognize and celebrate the many African American leaders and innovators and their contributions; this year we focus in particular on those who are known for their contributions and accomplishments in science, technology, engineering and mathematical innovation advancing our state and beyond;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim February 2022, as “BLACK HISTORY MONTH” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.