Tumwater proclaims Black History Month; NAACP leaders and speakers call for policies that follow the proclamation

Tumwater’s City Council opened its Feb. 17 meeting with a Black History Month proclamation and a series of remarks from local NAACP leaders and faith leaders urging the council to pair symbolic recognition with concrete policy action.

An NAACP leader who was addressed by other speakers as Gary recounted personal memories of local Black pioneers and said Tumwater’s proclamation signals that the city is working to welcome families who might otherwise avoid the area. “Tumwater is saying we appreciate every person who’s contributed to this place,” he said, describing the city as ‘‘a wonderful, wonderful place’’ and urging elected officials to develop infrastructure that supports Black residents.

Reverend David L. Reeves, representing New Life Baptist Church and the NAACP chapter in Thurston County, shared family history to underscore his point that proclamations should be followed by policies that expand safety and opportunity. He described the case of a young relative who was fatally wounded and said such stories illustrate that “safety and dignity and opportunity have not always been evenly shared.” He told the council: “Proclamations absolutely matter. They declare what the city values, but what matters most is what follows that proclamation.”

Council members responded with unanimous support for the proclamation and for renewed emphasis on equity. Councilmember Angela Jefferson described her role as a founding member of the local NAACP chapter and urged a citywide commitment to address school and community issues affecting students and families. Mayor Pro Tem Kelly Von Holtz, Councilmembers Megan Sullivan, Eileen Swartout, Kathy (as listed in the record) and others echoed calls for ongoing work and accountability.

Reverend Reeves announced a community pop‑up Black History Museum at New Life Church for the next two Saturdays, and council members invited the presenters to participate in a commemorative photo to mark the proclamation. City staff and council members emphasized that follow‑up actions — including the city’s equity commission work referenced during the meeting — should translate the proclamation into policy and programs.

What’s next: Council members asked staff to ensure the proclamation remains linked to follow‑through items, including opportunities for future work sessions and committee updates to track policy changes and community programming.

Sources: Remarks and exchanges at the council meeting, Feb. 17 (remarks by the NAACP representative addressed as Gary; Reverend David L. Reeves; Councilmembers Angela Jefferson, Kelly Von Holtz, Megan Sullivan and others).