Governor Stein Proclaims Anti-Lynching Awareness Month

Anti-Lynching Awareness Month

2026

By The Governor Of The State Of North Carolina

A Proclamation

Whereas, North Carolina’s history is marked by a complex past that includes acts of racial violence committed against people who called this state home, it is vital that the families of victims know the State of North Carolina recognizes these atrocities and their lasting impact on communities across our state; and 

Whereas, a dozen counties across the state from Warren to Mecklenburg and from Buncombe to New Hanover have formed local coalitions, partnering with organizations such as the Equal Justice Initiative, Northeastern University, A Tour in Color, the NAACP, and surviving families to memorialize documented victims, pursue truth-telling, and support restorative approaches to healing; and 

Whereas, historians have documented at least 173 people in North Carolina who were victims of lynching since the Civil War, and we further acknowledge the terror of enslavement and many more victims yet unknown; and 

Whereas, lynchings were carried out around the state by vigilantes and local, county, and state authorities without accountability; 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 acknowledges these criminal acts and encourages continued and comprehensive research on all lynched victims in our state while; and 

Whereas, let us mourn and recognize lynched victims across North Carolina with flags flying half-staff and with a moment of silence, soil collections, historical markers, community education, and continued dialogue on repair;

Now, Therefore, I, Josh Stein, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim June 2026 as “Anti-Lynching Awareness Month” in North Carolina and commend its observance to all residents.

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 twenty-sixth day of May in the year of our Lord two thousand and twenty-sixth and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fiftieth.