During the February 7, 2023, meeting, Mayor Teri Johnston and the Key West City Commission proclaimed February as Black History Month.
"Black History Month is a time to reflect on the many contributions made by African Americans to the country and 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 and 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 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 said that Clark is the first Black woman elected to the Utility Board and that Mobley is shaping local history with her Bahama Village Redevelopment Commission service. She is the second Black woman to ever serve on the 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.