Tomorrow marks the first day of Black History Month, a time to honor and celebrate the legacy and contributions of African Americans across our country.
American history cannot be written without including the Black experience. African Americans have played critical roles in the story of our country, from politics to culture and everything in between.
Throughout this month, and beyond, let's embrace the opportunity to learn, appreciate, and amplify the voices that have influenced our shared narrative. I encourage you to seek out and understand American history from the Black perspective. Read celebrated works from Black authors and engage with local Black leaders.
I also encourage you to attend the many Black History Month celebrations throughout Moreno Valley and the region. Our community thrives when we all understand and celebrate each other’s experiences.
Former President Barack Obama said, "Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek."
Moreno Valley is a vibrant city with a strong Black and African American community and many thriving Black-owned businesses. That diversity is evident on our City Council, School Board, City Commissions, and across our city.
I am proud to live in a city dedicated to celebrating and embracing diversity.