Commission Proclaims Black History Month

February 8, 2023 - Mayor Teri Johnston and the Key West City Commission proclaimed February as Black History Month during Tuesday’s regular meeting.

“Black History Month is a time to reflect on the many contributions made by African Americans to the country and to Key West's economic, artistic, cultural, spiritual, educational, and political development,” reads the proclamation.
Mona Clark and Annette Milian Mobley accepted the proclamation.

“It is very important that we recognize acknowledge that Black history plays a very vibrant and important part in American history,” said Clark. “It’s important that we help our young people learn their history and their heritage. We each play a role in that continuation.”

Commission Clayton Lopez noted that there were many in the community he considered inviting to accept the proclamation. He noted that Clark is the first Black woman to be elected to the Utility Board and that Mobley is shaping local history with her service on the Bahama Village Redevelopment Commission and is the second Black woman to ever serve on Housing Authority’s Board of Directors. He noted that several Black female pastors are also “firsts,” as is former City Commissioner Carmen Turner.

“The City of Key West continues to work toward becoming a community that embodies the ‘One Human Family’ philosophy where all citizens -- past, present, and future -- are respected and treated equally,” reads the proclamation.

In the photo: Commissioner Lissette Carey and Jimmy Weekley, Mayor Teri Johnston, Mona Clark, Annette Milian Mobley, Vice Mayor Sam Kaufman, and Commissioners Clayton Lopez and Billy Wardlow. Commissioner Mary Lou Hoover was in attendance via Zoom.​