HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-02-04 ProclamationINCITY OE IOWA CITY
www.icgov.org
February 4, 2020
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
Black History Month proclamation
Item Number: 3.a.
City of Iowa City
PROCLAMATION
Whereas, Black History Month celebrates the contributions that persons of the African
diaspora have made to American history in their struggle for freedom and equality; and
Whereas, persons of the African diaspora have played a central role in our nation's
history, but for too long historians ignored or glossed over their contributions and the
injustices they have suffered; and
Whereas, in February 1926 Dr. Carter G. Woodson, noted Black scholar and son of
former slaves, launched the celebration of "Negro History Week", the precursor of Black
History Month to yearly celebrate and help rectify the omission of African-Americans
from history books; and
Whereas, we as Iowa Citians have an opportunity to recognize that Black History is
part of world history, and thereby we need to co -construct a future that celebrates Black
History every day, for just one month isn't enough. I believe it's so important to highlight
the contributions of Black Americans to some of the liberties, activities and products that
we enjoy today; and
Whereas, while the observance of Black History Month calls our Nation's attention to
the continued need to battle racism and to build a society that lives up to its democratic
ideals, this year's celebrations and recognition are especially significant as we celebrate
the 65th Anniversary of Rosa Parks being arrested in Montgomery, Alabama for refusing
to give up her seat to a white passenger sparking the citywide bus boycott that became a
critical event in the civil rights movement; and
Whereas, during Black History Month all are encouraged to reflect on past successes
and challenges and look to the future to continue to improve society so that we live up the
ideals of freedom, equality and justice.
Now, therefore, I, Bruce Teague, Mayor of Iowa City, do hereby proclaim the month
of February 2020 to be
Black History Month
M4Ybr
Signed in Iowa City, Iowa,
this 4th day of February 2020.
INCITY OE IOWA CITY
www.icgov.org
February 4, 2020
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
Iowa Honey Bee Day proclamation
Item Number: 3.b.
City of Iowa City
Proclamation
Whereas, honey bees and native insects are important as pollinators for a third of the
food we eat, and honey bees are vital in production of over 90 crops grown across the
nation, many of which are in Iowa; and
Whereas, climate change is causing habitat loss, shifting temperatures, and has a
negative effect on the health of honey bees and other pollinators, which makes
reproduction and resistance to predators and parasites more difficult; and
Whereas, Iowa City is committed to lessening the effects of climate change by
reducing greenhouse gas emissions; and
Whereas, Iowa City recognizes the importance of insect habitat and maintains over
1,000 acres of natural areas within the City; and
Whereas, to protect pollinators and insects in our urban ecosystem, Iowa City has also
signed onto the Mayors Monarch Pledge and as a result, holds an annual festival to
celebrate Monarchs and other pollinators; and
Whereas, traditionally beekeeping occurred in rural areas of Iowa, but now beekeeping
increasingly occurs in urban areas with the rising interest of hobby beekeepers in Iowa's
cities and towns for honey production; and
Whereas, honey bees face serious threats from invasive pests, a decreasing bee -
friendly forage, a shifting climate, and increasing pressure from pesticides and herbicides.
Now, therefore, I, Bruce Teague, Mayor of Iowa City, do hereby join other the
Governor and other Iowa cities in proclaiming February 13th, 2020 to be
Iowa Honey Bee Day
in Iowa City and encourage all residents and visitors to join in observing this day and
focus on the importance of honey bees and other pollinators to our urban ecosystem and
food production, to enjoy the honey and other products of honey bees, and to assist in
reducing the threats to honey bee survival in our community.
ayor
Signed in Iowa City, Iowa,
this 4th day of February 2020.