HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-01-20 Proclamation 3
City of Iowa City
PROCLAMATION
Whereas, on January 17, 2004, Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County, Iowa plans to
celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; and
Whereas, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. served as a voice of conscience for our Nation,
and his words and actions continue to inspire courage, humility, and compassion; and
Whereas, Dr. King was a visionary leader who helped advance human dignity by
working peacefully to resolve racial conflict through speeches, marches, and
countless nonviolent activities that helped our Nation recognize the importance of
upholding fully our founding ideals of equality, tolerance, and justice for all; and
Whereas, Dr. King's enduring contributions to America remind us and countless others
around the world that people should "not be judged by the color of their skin but by
the content of their character"; and
Whereas, Dr. King taught us that lasting achievement in life comes through sacrifice
and service. His devotion to helping others symbolizes the true spirit of service and
citizenship, and his example continues to motivate individuals to service causes
greater than themselves; and
Whereas, Dr. King wrote that, "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."
As Americans celebrate the 19th national commemoration of the life and legacy of
this great leader, we recognize the lasting truth of his words and his legacy, and we
renew our commitment to the principles of justice, equality, opportunity, and
optimism that Dr. King espoused and exemplified; and
Whereas, Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County intends to hold an annual
celebration of the life and legacy of Dr. King.
Now, therefore, I, Ernest W. Lehman, Mayor of the City of Iowa City, Iowa, do hereby
proclaim January 17, 2004, to be the
1st Community Holiday Celebration of
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
As we honor Dr. King's accomplishments, pledge to work for a Nation in which all people
of every race realize the promise of America, an~ support efforts that seek to secure a
Nation of Dignity, liberty, and compassion.yy / j y
Mayor
Signed in Iowa City, Iowa,
this __ day of January, 2004.
City of Iowa City
PROCLAMATION
Whereas, January 22, 2004 is the 31st Anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision by
the U.S. Supreme Court establishing a woman's Constitutional right to
choose abortion; and
Whereas, shortly after this historic decision, the Emma Goldman Clinic was
founded by Iowa City women determined- to provide a range of quality
affordable reproductive healthcare for women in a respectful and caring
atmosphere; and
Whereas, the University of Iowa's Medical School curriculum includes both
abortion-related information and opportunities to learn to perform abortions,
making it one of the most comprehensive programs in the nation with regard
to women's reproductive healthcare; and
Whereas, 37% of women in the United States will have an abortion by the time they
are 45 years old, making abortion the most requested outpatient procedure in
our country4efining this as basic healthcare for women; and
Whereas, we celebrate the contributions to the Iowa City and surrounding
communities that the Emma Goldman Clinic, its dedicated staff and its
faithful volunteers have made over the past thirty one years; and
Now, therefore, i, Ernest W. Lehman, Mayor of the City of Iowa City, Iowa, do
hereby proclaim January 22, 2004, to be
Women's Right to Choose Day
in Iowa City and encourage all citizens to recognize our community's leadership role in
providing high-quality, affordable healthcare to women.
Mayor
Signed in Iowa City, Iowa,
-- this 20th day of January, 2004