February 24, 2026

Redwood City – The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors marked 100 years of Black History Month on Tuesday by honoring civil rights attorney Dr. Clarence B. Jones and astronaut and physician Dr. Yvonne Cagle.

Supervisor Lisa Gauthier said the centennial is both a celebration and a reminder that progress requires intention.

“Black history is American history,” she said, calling the month a time to recognize “the stories that shape our nation’s conscience, character and future.”

Supervisors recognized Jones as a civil rights leader and close legal adviser to the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., helping to draft the 1963 “I Have a Dream” speech and advising King at critical moments.