Emeryville proclaims Black History Month; council declines to agendize formal land acknowledgment

The Emeryville City Council on Feb. 3 proclaimed February 2026 as Black History Month and held brief remarks recognizing the history and contributions of Black Americans.

Council Member Courtney Welch read the proclamation on the council floor, noting Black History Month's origin with Carter G. Woodson and the city's practice of raising the Pan-African flag at City Hall since 2022. "This Black History Month, I am choosing joy," Welch said during her remarks.

A member of the public addressed the council during the proclamation item and noted the presence of an African American council member. Mayor Carr and other members offered remarks of pride in the city's diversity.

During member announcements, Council Member Praphos asked the council to agendize a formal land acknowledgment recognizing the Emeryville Shell Mound and the Ohlone people, arguing it would be "basic civic honesty" and noting that neighboring cities have formal acknowledgments. Praphos said they would work with indigenous-led groups and community partners to develop the proposal.

When the mayor asked for support to schedule the item, no council members voiced support and the mayor stated the request failed. Separately, a council member proposed exploring restoration of a Pledge of Allegiance at council proceedings; that proposal likewise received no support at the meeting.

Procedural votes earlier in the meeting included unanimous approval of the final agenda and the consent calendar. The council later reconvened to closed session; the city attorney reported no reportable action following the closed session.

Next steps: The land-acknowledgment proponent said they will continue to pursue the issue; no staff report, council vote, or scheduling directive was recorded in the meeting transcript that night.