Redmond City Council candidate Clifford EvelynRedmond City Council candidate Clifford Evelyn

Celebrating and learning more about Black History Month, a nearly century-old celebration of 400 years of African American culture, matters now more than ever.

In many schools and communities, Black History only encompasses the freedom of enslaved, the Civil Rights Movement and the elections of Vice President Kamala Harris and President Barack Obama.

Although this is very historic, these events are just a small part of Black History in America. Black history is often narrowed to a few milestones which may lead many to believe that African Americans played a tiny role in the formation of the United States and that racism no longer exist in this country. On both counts, the opposite is true.

Racialized violence continues in America and African Americans have been building this country — physically and culturally — since its inception.

Whether you believe it or not, this is fact and it cannot be denied, ignored, erased or ever forgotten. The fact that my ancestors endured so much and were still able to persevere is a testament to their strength, faith, endurance and will to not be suppressed to the point of extinction by those who oppressed them.

In our schools, students are unfortunately taught diluted stories of the African American experience that gloss over the rich history of Black contributions that have shaped this country.

As a Black man living in Central Oregon and the first Black person to be elected to a city council position, I see the hope and the colorblindness of those who elected me.

I thank them for having confidence in me and I appreciate and respect every conversation I have had with those in our city, whether we agreed or disagreed. I enjoy these discussions because as a city we need to talk to each other and get a better feel of everyone’s experiences. I look at those discussions as teaching moments and we all should be part of that experience.

I want to thank the citizens of Redmond for being openminded and allowing me to express the importance of Black History Month. Respecting each other and what we all have and can contribute to making Redmond the best city in Central Oregon should be our top priority.

Have a great week and I look forward to spending time talking to you fellow citizens.