“As San Francisco’s first African American woman Mayor, I am proud to kick off Black History Month. From the jazz artists of the "Harlem of the West" to Maya Angelou and the shipbuilders of World War II, we celebrate our own rich Black history and that of all African Americans. As we celebrate the past, let us rededicate ourselves to the challenges of the present, be it income inequality, closing the achievement gap in our public schools, or reforming our criminal justice system. Every day I am inspired by those who came before and committed to continuing their work for a more fair and equitable society.”