2026 Proclamations

Whereas, Martin Luther King, Jr. (MLK) Day is a U.S. federal holiday observed on the third Monday in January to honor the life and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr., a civil rights leader, minister, and Nobel Peace Prize recipient; and,

Whereas, the third Monday of January is the date nearest King’s birthday, which is January 15; and,

Whereas, the campaign for a federal holiday began after King’s assassination in 1968, with President Ronald Reagan signing it into law in 1983, and it was first observed in 1986; and,

Whereas, Colorado was the first state to recognize Martin Luther King, Jr. Day as a state holiday in 1984, and all 50 states recognized it as a holiday by 2000; and,

Whereas, the purpose of this holiday is to reflect on Dr. King’s contributions to the Civil Rights Movement, his advocacy for justice, and the ongoing struggle for equality; and,

Whereas, this holiday is designated as a National Day of Service, it promotes volunteerism through community cleanups, food drives, and acts of kindness; it is a “day on, not a day off” to build the beloved community King envisioned; and,

Whereas, the holiday is a U.S. federal holiday, it is also commemorated in other parts of the world, including areas of Canada, Japan, and the Netherlands.

Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved, that the Board of Commissioners, of the County of Adams, State of Colorado, proclaims January 19 as “Martin Luther King, Jr. Day” and it is the hope of the Board of County Commissioners that we continue to strive toward Dr. King’s dream that we can all live in a nation where we are judged not by the color of our skin, but by the content of our character. The Board of County Commissioners urges all residents to reflect on this important day, engage with their neighbors, and consider volunteering as part of the National Day of Service.

Whereas, human trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery involving the use of force, fraud, or coercion to exploit individuals for labor or commercial sex; and,

Whereas, human trafficking affects individuals of all ages, genders, races, and socioeconomic backgrounds and occurs in communities across the nation, including our own; and,

Whereas, victims of human trafficking are often hidden in plain sight and may be fearful or unable to seek help without awareness, education, and community support; and,

Whereas, law enforcement agencies, victim advocates, service providers, and community partners play a vital role in identifying victims, holding offenders accountable, and connecting survivors to critical resources; and,

Whereas, public awareness and education are essential to preventing human trafficking and ensuring community members recognize the signs and know how to report suspected activity; and,

Whereas, January is nationally recognized as Human Trafficking Prevention Month, providing an opportunity to raise awareness, support survivors, and strengthen prevention efforts.

Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved, that the Board of Commissioners, of the Count of Adams, State of Colorado, recognizes January as Human Trafficking Prevention Month and encourages all residents to educate themselves, support prevention initiatives, and work together to protect the safety and dignity of all individuals.

Be It Further Proclaimed, that we reaffirm our commitment to collaboration with the Adams County Sheriff’s Office on enforcement, and victim-centered approaches to prevent human trafficking and assist survivors within our community.

Whereas, each year the United States observes Black History Month by celebrating the culture, heritage, and countless contributions of Black individuals and recognizing their central role in the history and development of our nation; and,

Whereas, according to the most recent U.S. Census Bureau estimates, approximately 4.8% of Adams County residents identify as Black or African American, reflecting an important and valued part of our community; and,

Whereas, Black History Month traces its origins to 1926 when historian Carter G. Woodson established Negro History Week to highlight Black achievement which was later expanded into a nationally recognized, month-long observance; and,

Whereas, the 2026 national theme, “A Century of Black History Commemorations,” marks 100 years since the founding of Negro History Week and invites reflection on the enduring importance of recognizing and preserving Black history; and,

Whereas, Black History Month provides an opportunity for education, reflection, and dialogue that deepens understanding and strengthens community connections; and,

Whereas, Adams County recognizes that honoring Black history strengthens community, promotes understanding, and affirms the dignity of all people.

Now, Therefore, Be it Resolved, that the Board of County Commissioners of the County of Adams, State of Colorado, does hereby proclaim February 2026 as Black History Month and encourages residents to celebrate the achievements and contributions of Black individuals and communities.

Whereas, each year, the international community observes the Lunar New Year, with celebrations observed worldwide across many East and Southeast Asian cultures; and,

Whereas, the population of Adams County includes approximately 5.1% Asian residents, reflecting the rich cultural diversity that strengthens our community; and,

Whereas, each year, the lunar calendar is represented by one of the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac, offering an opportunity for reflection and intention; and,

Whereas, Lunar New Year begins on February 17, 2026, ushering in the Year of the Horse, a sign traditionally associated with energy, perseverance, creativity, and forward movement; and,

Whereas, Lunar New Year traditions emphasize togetherness, respect for elders, and the renewal of relationships, inviting families and communities to gather in reflection and celebration, carrying hope into the year ahead; and,

Whereas, these traditions reflect shared values of renewal, responsibility, and care for one another—values that mirror the spirit of public service and underscore the importance of communities rooted in respect, belonging, and mutual support.

Now, Therefore, Be it Resolved, that the Board of County Commissioners, of the County of Adams, State of Colorado does hereby proclaim February 17, 2026, as the start of the 2026 Lunar New Year and encourages all residents to honor the rich diversity of the Asian community and the many ways these cultures contribute to our county.

Whereas, we celebrate International Women’s Day to honor women’s achievements and advocate for gender equality, a date solidified by the 1927 women’s strike for Bread and Peace in Russia, which demanded an end to World War I and food shortages and spurred the revolution; and,

Whereas, in 1975, the United Nations officially began celebrating International Women’s Day, giving it worldwide prominence; and,

Whereas, International Women’s Day acknowledges women’s social, economic, cultural, and political achievements and highlights ongoing issues like pay gaps, discrimination, and violence; and,

Whereas, International Women’s Day 2026 has two prominent themes; the global campaign theme is “Give to Gain,” while the United Nations theme, aligning with the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women, is “Rights. Justice. Action. for ALL Women and Girls;” and,

Whereas, “Give to Gain,” calls for contributions of time, knowledge, and resources, highlighting that investing in women multiplies opportunities; and

Whereas, “Rights. Justice. Action. for ALL Women and Girls,” addresses barriers to justice and calls for dismantling discriminatory laws and strengthening legal protections.

Now, Therefore, Be it Resolved, that the Board of County Commissioners, of the County of Adams, State of Colorado, does hereby proclaim March 8, 2026, as International Women’s Day, promoting gender equality through global themes and collective action for women’s rights.