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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.