Throughout February, government officials, artists, educators and others will celebrate Black History Month.

This year’s theme is “African Americans and Labor.”

Beginning Tuesday night, the Woodland City Council is scheduled to proclaim Black History Month.

According to the proclamation, “Woodland is welcoming, inclusive, and dedicated to improving the quality of life for those who live, work, and visit here.”

By recognizing Black History Month, it’s hoped “all residents (will) celebrate our diverse heritage and culture and continue efforts to create a world that is more just, peaceful, and prosperous for all.”

Undoubtedly, Yolo County Supervisors will also issue their own proclamation when they meet on Feb. 11.

Within Yolo County, UC Davis has a number of Black History Month events planned while the Yolo County Library is hosting a series of quilted tapestries in various libraries, featuring the art of African-American quilting by Khristel Johnson.

“The art of African American quilting can be traced back to Central and West African wall hangings in the 17th century and has been celebrated annually in March as National Quilting Day,” according to the county library. “Quilts hung outside safe houses along the Underground Railroad used embedded codes that were sewn into the design, giving an enslaved person on the run vital information on dangers or where to head next.

“Quilting continued as a way for those in chattel slavery to secretly engage in a visual language, do their part with needle and thread,” a statement from the library noted. “Quilt making is a tradition that has been handed down over generations. The quilts use large shapes, patterns, symbols and bright colors on separate panels that are sewn together.”