Dear Moreno Valley Residents,
Today marks the beginning of Black History Month, where we celebrate and honor the achievements of Black and African-American contributions throughout our country’s history.
I am proud to be Mayor of Moreno Valley, where nearly 20 percent of our population identifies as Black or African-American.
The Black experience has touched every facet of society across our country—arts and sciences, politics, civil rights, and beyond. In Moreno Valley, African-Americans have achieved prominent roles as educators, public servants, school board members, City Council Members, City Commissioners, and even sports superstars.
This month, I am thinking of my friend, the late City Councilwoman Dr. Carla J. Thornton. Carla was the first African-American woman elected to the Moreno Valley City Council, and she was a trailblazer in Moreno Valley and a champion for the City’s Black community. Her legacy will never be forgotten.
This month, take time to learn about the lives and contributions of your neighbors or the people in your everyday life. When we come together and share our experiences, we become stronger as a community.
In the immortal words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr: “Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.”
Happy Black History Month, Moreno Valley!
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