Kane County Board Proclaims February as Black History and Cancer Prevention Month
The Kane County Board has officially recognized February 2025 as both National Black History Month and National Cancer Prevention Month with the passage of two proclamations.
The first proclamation honors Black History Month, celebrating the achievements and contributions of African Americans and highlighting the importance of diversity, inclusion, and historical reflection within the county. County Board members heard from small business owner Arlisa Dockery. Dockery and her daughter started Echo Development Center in Aurora back in 2015 to assist low income famlies with obtaining food, health care, education and recovery support. (https://echodevcenter.org/) 
The second proclamation designates February as National Cancer Prevention Month, raising awareness about cancer prevention, the impact of early detection, and the resources available to support those affected by the disease. In the proclamation, it was noted that the five most common types of cancer leadering to death in 2022 in Kane County were lung, pancreas, breast, colorectal and prostate. Kane County Health Department Executive Director Michael Isaacson spoke about the department’s efforts to connect people with programs that promote healthy habits, such as quitting smoking, eating well, exercising, and staying up to date with preventive screenings. (https://www.kanehealth.com/)
PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING FEBRUARY 2025 AS NATIONAL BLACK HISTORY MONTH IN KANE COUNTY
WHEREAS, February is recognized as Black History Month—a time to celebrate the achievements, contributions, and cultural heritage of African Americans throughout our nation's history; and
WHEREAS, Black History Month traces its origins to 1926 and the efforts of University of Chicago scholar Carter G. Woodson, whose dedication to recognizing the contributions of Black Americans led to its establishment as a month-long observance in 1976 by President Gerald Ford; and
WHEREAS, Kane County is home to a diverse population of approximately 515,000 residents, with 6% identifying as Black, according to the U.S. Census Bureau; and
WHEREAS, Black History Month serves as a reminder of the significant roles African Americans have played in shaping our society, including advancements in civil rights, science, health, education, arts, politics, and business; and
WHEREAS, this month provides an opportunity to reflect on the past while striving to build a more inclusive and equitable future by promoting diversity, inclusion, and understanding within our communities,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Kane County Board does hereby proclaim February 2025 as National Black History Month in Kane County, Illinois.
PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING FEBRUARY AS NATIONAL CANCER PREVENTION MONTH IN KANE COUNTY
WHEREAS, February is recognized as National Cancer Prevention Month, providing an opportunity to raise awareness about cancer prevention and the importance of early detection; and
WHEREAS, nearly 1.9 million people are diagnosed with cancer each year in the United States, according to the National Institutes of Health, with 30-50% of all cancer diagnoses linked to a preventable cause; and
WHEREAS, between 2017 and 2021, 2,585 cancer cases were diagnosed in Kane County, with an average of 517 new cases per year; and
WHEREAS, cancer has been one of the leading causes of death in Kane County since 2008, and in 2022, one in four resident deaths were attributed to cancer. The five most common types of cancer leading to death in 2022 were lung, pancreas, breast, colorectal, and prostate; and
WHEREAS, routine cancer screenings are important for early detection, less extensive treatments, and higher survival rates; and
WHEREAS, Kane County recognizes the cancer prevention resources offered by the Kane County Health Department and the care provided by regional cancer treatment centers and medical professionals for our family members, friends, and co-workers diagnosed with cancer; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Kane County Board does hereby proclaim the month of February 2025 as National Cancer Prevention Month in Kane County, Illinois.
