HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-06-02 ProclamationItem Number: 2.a.
CITY OIF IOWA CITY
www.icgov.org
June 2, 2020
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
Juneteenth National Freedom Day proclamation
City of Iowa City
PROCLAMATION
Whereas, Juneteenth National Freedom Day commemorates the day of June 19, 1865,
when Major General Gordon Granger led Union soldiers into Galveston, Texas, bringing
news that the Civil War had ended and that the Emancipation Proclamation declared all
slaves to be free; and
Whereas, in Texas and throughout the Country, Juneteenth commemorations began on
June 19th of each year— consisting of prayer services, inspirational speeches, readings of
the Emancipation Proclamation, food, games, and dances; and
Whereas, in 1997, during the 105th U.S. Congress, House Joint Resolution 56 and
Senate Joint Resolution 11 were passed, officially recognizing Juneteenth as the
Independence Day Observance of Americans of African descent; and
Whereas, Juneteenth reflects our community' s deep belief in liberty and equality for
all individuals, as all benefit from a greater understanding and appreciation of the
experiences of others; and
Whereas, Juneteenth celebrates the strength and resolve of African - Americans
throughout history, and is an opportunity to honor African-American culture, art, history,
and achievement; and
Whereas, even though an in-person Juneteenth will not be held this year as scheduled
due to the COVID-19 pandemic, join the City of Iowa City, Johnson County, and many
other supporters for a 6 -day virtual festival full of joy, cultural excitement and
entertainment for the whole family in celebration of Juneteenth that is being sponsored by
the African-American Museum of Iowa.
Now, therefore, I, Bruce Teague, do hereby recognize June 19, 2020, as
Juneteenth National Freedom Day
in Iowa City, and would encourage community members to participate in the
commemorative events, details are available at B1ackIowa.org.
BVuce Teague, Ma
Signed in Iowa City, Iowa,
this 2nd day of June 2020.
CITY OIF IOWA CITY
www.icgov.org
June 2, 2020
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
LGBTQ+ Pride Month proclamation
Item Number: 2.b.
City of Iowa City
PROCLAMATION
Whereas, LGBTQ+ communities across the nation annually celebrate pride in their culture and
community in the month of June; and
Whereas, the annual celebration of Pride began as a collective protest for the rights of LGBTQ+
individuals and communities; and
Whereas, the national tradition of celebrating Pride in June is a tribute to the Stonewall Riots of June,
1969 in New York City, which are remembered as the launch of the modem LGBTQ+ rights movement;
and
Whereas, transgender persons of color, including Marsha P. Johnson, Silvia Rivera and Storme
DeLarverie, were primary leaders in the Stonewall expression of just treatment for LGBTQ+ people, and
gave their work and lives to the cause; and
Whereas, the City of Iowa City recognizes the many LGBTQ+ lives that continue to be lost each year
in pursuit of living out their authentic identities, in particular transgender persons of color; and
Whereas, the City of Iowa City welcomes and accepts persons of diverse sexual orientations, gender
identities, and gender expressions, and is proud to celebrate the contributions and culture of all residents;
and
Whereas, each year, Iowa City Pride brings together thousands of LGBT+ persons from across Iowa
and beyond to celebrate their shared identities and experiences; and
Whereas, Iowa City Pride is celebrating its 50th Annual Pride Anniversary, and the 51 st Anniversary
of Stonewall, this June; and
Whereas, due to the COVID-19 pandemic this year's in-person events are canceled but virtual events
and celebrations are planned to commemorate this historical achievement.
Now, therefore, I, Bruce Teague, Mayor of Iowa City, Iowa, do hereby recognize the
month of June to be
LGBTQ+ Pride Month
in Iowa City and encourage all to reflect on the ongoing struggle for equality members of the
LGBTQ+ community face and celebrate the contributions that enhance our city.
Mayor
Signed in Iowa City, Iowa,
this 2nd day of June 2020