Valley Council marks Black History Month, American Heart Month
BY JOHN BRICE
THE LAFAYETTE SUN
VALLEY — District 6 City Council Member Jolanda Barnes acknowledged the significance of Black History Month during the council’s meeting Monday evening.
“While there is no formal agenda item this week related to Black History Month, I wanted to just pause to take a moment to recognize that February is nationally recognized as Black History Month,” she said. “It’s a time for us to honor the contributions and the resilience of the legacy of African Americans whose leadership, innovation and service has shaped our nation and our whole communities.”
Barnes also highlighted a milestone birthday of a District 6 resident.
“Also in the spirit of recognizing Black History Month I want you to be aware that one of our residents of District 6, Mrs. Dorothy Moore, will be celebrating her 100th birthday this Friday,” she said.
Barnes said Moore’s life reflects a century of strength and perseverance within the community.
“We also pause to acknowledge the generations of educators, faith leaders, veterans, entrepreneurs and families that have lived, worked and served in this community for several generations,” Barnes said. “This city is rich with stories of perseverance, leadership and progress. I just want to recommend the community to uplifting and supporting people and institutions that continue to shape the legacy of our district and city.”
Later in the meeting, District 5 Council Member Kendall Andrews read a proclamation from Mayor Leonard Riley declaring February 2026 as American Heart Month in Valley.
“Whereas cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death worldwide and each year more than 250,000 cardiac arrests have occurred outside of hospitals in the United States with approximately 10% of people surviving. And whereas immediate CPR can double or even triple a person’s chance of survival yet only about 41% of people who experience cardiac arrest receive immediate CPR from someone nearby. Fewer than 12% receive aid from an automated external defibrillator before advanced help arrives.
“Whereas the American Heart Association has set the bold goal to double survival from out of town hospital cardiac arrest by 2030 through its Nation of Lifesavers Initiative empowering people everywhere to competently provide CPR and use AEDs and to save lives.
“And whereas public access to defibrillators and cardiac emergency response plans in schools, workplaces and public spaces can strengthen community readiness. Now therefore I, Leonard Riley, do hereby proclaim February 2026 as American Heart Month in Valley, Alabama and encourage all residents to learn CPR, promote awareness of cardiac arrest and emergency response and join the effort to build a nation of lifesavers ensuring that every person, everywhere is prepared to act in a cardiac emergency.”
In other business
• The council approved motions to suspend the rules and advance first readings of annexation resolutions for properties owned by Johnny Yates and Jeremy Colley.
