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.

Whereas, every child in Adams County deserves to grow up in a safe, nurturing environment, free from harm. Child abuse and neglect have devastating effects on children, families, and communities, leading to long-term physical, emotional, and psychological harm; and,

Whereas, National Child Abuse Prevention Month, observed each April, provides an opportunity for individuals and organizations to come together to promote programs and policies that strengthen families and protect children; and,

Whereas, enhancing protective factors such as parental resilience, social connections, support, and child development knowledge helps reduce abuse and neglect while promoting family stability and positive outcomes for children; and,

Whereas, the Board of County Commissioners recognizes the prevention of child abuse and neglect has been a shared responsibility that parents, caregivers, educators, community-based and nonprofit organizations, and professional staff of the county; and,

Whereas, the Board of County Commissioners encourages all residents to advocate for and support efforts to prevent child abuse by creating awareness, supporting community resources, and fostering safe and healthy environments for children.

Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved, that the Board of County Commissioners, of the County of Adams, State of Colorado, proclaims April 2026 as “Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month” and calls upon all to raise awareness and work together to protect the children of Adams County and ensure their right to a safe and healthy future.

Whereas, in recognition of National Public Health Week, the Adams County Health Department is celebrating the theme Ready. Set. Action. through its work with Adams County residents and community partners to promote and protect the health of all residents through a variety of programs and services; and

Whereas, the successful pursuit of public health requires an understanding of community and a shared future. When we all come together to support public health—individuals, families, communities, and the public health field—we can achieve the goals of public health; and

Whereas, the Adams County Board of Commissioners have committed to fostering a healthy, equitable, and resilient community for all residents; and

Whereas, dedicated public health professionals in Adams County work tirelessly to protect and improve the health of our community through disease prevention, health promotion, emergency preparedness, policy, and advocacy; and

Whereas, economic stability; access to health care; and safe, affordable housing are factors that profoundly impact individual and community well-being; and

Whereas, community engagement and collaboration are essential to address health disparities, promote sustainability, and ensure access to health for all; and

Whereas, public health professionals collaborate with partners outside of the health sector to influence health outcomes; and

Whereas, efforts to adequately support public health and prevention can transform a health system focused on merely treating illness into a health system focused on addressing inequities, preventing disease and injury, and promoting wellness.

Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved, that the Board of County Commissioners, of the County of Adams, State of Colorado, does hereby proclaim April 6–12, 2026, as National Public Health Week, supporting the goals and ideals of National Public Health Week, and recognizing the efforts of public health professionals at the national, state, tribal, municipal, local, and/or individual level in preventing disease and injury and supporting fair health opportunities and outcomes for all Adams County residents.

Whereas, April marks the 58th anniversary of the passage of the Fair Housing Act of 1968, which sought to eliminate discrimination in housing opportunities and to affirmatively further housing choices for all Americans; and,

Whereas, the ongoing struggle for dignity and housing opportunity for all is not the exclusive province of the federal government; and,

Whereas, vigorous local efforts to combat discrimination can be as effective, if not more so, than federal efforts; and,

Whereas, illegal barriers to equal opportunity in housing, no matter how subtle, diminish the rights of all.

Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved, that in the pursuit of the shared goal and responsibility of providing equal housing opportunities for all men and women, the Board of Commissioners of the County of Adams, State of Colorado, does hereby proclaim April 2026 as Fair Housing Month and encourages all agencies, institutions, and individuals—both public and private— in Adams County to abide by the letter and the spirit of the Fair Housing Law.

Whereas, the term “victim” carries legal standing and protections beyond a label; and,

Whereas, Colorado and federal laws guarantee victims the right to actively participate in the criminal justice process and ensure their voices are heard; and,

Whereas, victim service providers, advocates, law enforcement, attorneys, and allied professionals help survivors seek justice by enforcing these rights; and,

Whereas, no victim should face the physical, financial, emotional, spiritual, or social impact of crime alone; and,

Whereas, communities, service providers, and allies work together to meet victims’ needs through collaborative, comprehensive support; and,

Whereas, 2026 marks the 45th anniversary of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, first proclaimed by President Ronald Reagan in 1981; and,

Whereas, this tradition unites all who care about crime victims to honor their resilience, acknowledge their challenges, and celebrate their strength; and,

Whereas, during April 19–25, 2026, we recommit to strengthening the network that supports victims and survivors.

Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved, that the Board of County Commissioners, of the County of Adams, State of Colorado, does hereby proclaim April 19–25, 2026, as National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, reaffirming our commitment to ensuring crime victims’ rights and services are not only recognized annually but provided daily. We extend sincere gratitude to community members, victim service providers, and criminal justice professionals dedicated to ensuring victims receive the support, justice, and peace they deserve

Whereas, this year marks the 56th anniversary of the Earth Day movement with a theme of “Our Power, Our Planet,” emphasizing ecosystem restoration, renewable energy, and combating fast fashion and plastic pollution, and is celebrated in 192 countries; and,

Whereas, the global community faces challenges such as health issues, food and water shortages, and economic struggles; and,

Whereas, all people, regardless of race, gender, income, or geography, have a right to a healthy, sustainable environment with economic growth and opportunity; and,

Whereas, we are all caretakers of our planet and have an obligation to combat environmental degradation to preserve the Earth’s beauty and resources; and,

Whereas, Adams County’s Green Team is a group of county employees from multiple departments who share a passion for protecting the environment and are engaged in advancing sustainability within the organization; and,

Whereas, Adams County is holding its second Earth Day Celebration on Saturday, April 25, at Westminster City Park Recreation Center as another way to promote sustainable practices; and,

Whereas, the Adams County Board of Commissioners approved the Sustainable Adams County 2030 Plan on April 21, 2015, and approved updates to the Plan on December 7, 2021, as part of the ongoing effort to continually identify and adopt sustainable practices, initiatives, and policies that save tax dollars, support prosperous businesses, protect the health of employees and residents, and assure clean land, air, and water.

Now, Therefore, Be it Resolved, the Board of County Commissioners, of the County of Adams, State of Colorado, hereby proclaims April 22, 2026, as Earth Day and encourages all businesses, institutions, and individuals to celebrate the Earth and commit to caring for the planet and its resources.

Whereas, April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, recognizing that sexual violence is widespread—over 53% of women and 29% of men report contact sexual violence in their lifetime; and,

Whereas, rape, sexual assault, and sexual harassment impact Adams County residents regardless of age, race, or gender; and,

Whereas, Adams County acknowledges this year’s national theme, “25 Years Stronger: Looking Back and Moving Forward” which honors 25 years of progress and recommitting to safer communities for all; and,

Whereas, we celebrate survivor resilience and the communities that have worked for change. Prevention starts with all of us—how we support one another and create spaces rooted in care and respect; and,

Whereas, we honor survivors who have shared their stories and advocates who have led the way. Their courage reminds us that prevention is possible and that each of us has a role to play; and,

Whereas, when we look to the next 25 years, we renew our commitment to strengthening prevention, supporting healing, and building communities where people of all identities, backgrounds, ages, faiths, and abilities feel safe and valued.

Now, Therefore, Be it Resolved, that the Board of Commissioners of the County of Adams, State of Colorado, hereby proclaims April 2026 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month and reaffirms its commitment to fostering a community where sexual assault is not tolerated and survivors are supported with compassion, respect, and care.