Mayor reads proclamation for Black History Month, cites national, local achievements
OCEAN CITY – At Thursday’s meeting, Ocean City Council unanimously approved, on first reading, a resolution to create the volunteer position of police chaplain.
City solicitor Dorothy McCrosson said Police Chief Jay Prettyman made the request for the position. The volunteer will serve without rank or salary.
Councilwoman Karen Bergman said the position is important because police officers, like firefighters, are under huge amounts of stress and need an experienced chaplain to help them.
“I think it’s long overdue,” Councilman Terrence Crowley Jr. added.
“Given the climate today,” Councilman Keith Hartzell said, “I think it’s a great idea.”
“Amen,” added Councilman Pete Madden.
They, along with Councilmen Jody Levchuk and Tomaso Rotondi and Council President Bobby Barr, all voted in favor.
According to the resolution for the ordinance, “Police chaplains serve an integral role in providing comfort to members of the Police Department as well as the public and aid in community policing ….”
The person appointed has to be approved and in good standing with the NJ State Chaplain’s Association, have basic training and be a certified police chaplain. Duties include assisting the department in critical incident debriefing and death notifications.
The term of the appointment is for three years.
Proclamation for
Black History Month
Mayor Jay Gillian read a proclamation “that we recognize February 2022 as Black History Month and urge all citizens to celebrate our diverse heritage and culture and continue our efforts to create a world that is more just, peaceful and prosperous for all.”
The proclamation notes:
– We celebrate the many achievements and important contributions made by African Americans to our economic, cultural, spiritual and political development;
– In 1915, Dr. Carter Godwin Woodson, noted black scholar and son of former slaves, founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, which was later renamed the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH);
– Dr. Woodson initiated Black History Week, February 12, 1926; and for many years, the second week of February, chosen so as to coincide with the birthdays of Frederick Douglas and Abraham Lincoln, was celebrated by African Americans in the United States;
– In 1976, as part of the nation’s bicentennial, President Gerald R. Ford expanded Black History Week into a full month, and Black History Month is now celebrated all over North America;
– As we mark the 46th year of the observance of Black History Month we should continue to promote positive examples of poignant historical events, outstanding leaders and steps towards societal change; and
– Ocean City recognizes the many achievements of the Black community throughout its own history and their continuing contributions.
By DAVID NAHAN/Sentinel staff
