HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-09-01 ProclamationItem Number: 2.a.
CITY OIF IOWA CITY
www.icgov.org
September 1, 2020
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
Americans with Disabilities Act 30th Anniversary Day proclamation
City of Iowa City
PROCLAMATION
....... �, ,he Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed on July 26, 1 nr _..
the civil rights of persons with disabilities; and
Whereas, July 26, 2020 will mark the 30a' anniversary of the signing of the ADA, which
expanded access and opportunities for people with disabilities; and
Whereas, the ADA has done this by reducing barriers and changing perceptions, and
increasing full participation in community life; and
Whereas, the full promise of the ADA will only be reached if we remain committed to
continue our efforts to fully implement this act; and
Whereas, Iowa City affirms the principals of equality and inclusion for persons with
disabilities as set forth and embodied in the ADA; and
Whereas, the Iowa City government and residents are proud to recognize the
accomplishments and contributions of our residents with disabilities; and
Whereas, throughout the year and on the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act,
the City of Iowa City celebrates and recognizes the progress that has been made by reaffirming
the principles of equality and inclusion and recommitting our efforts to reach full ADA
compliance.
Now Therefore, I, Bruce Teague, Mayor of Iowa City, hereby proclaim July 26, 2020 as
Americans with Disabilities Act
30th Anniversary Day
and call upon all community members to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and
activities that celebrate the contributions of persons with disabilities and to renew our
commitment to the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Ili
or
Signed in Iowa City, Iowa,
this 1 st day of September 2020
CITY OIF IOWA CITY
www.icgov.org
September 1, 2020
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
Stono Rebellion proclamation
Item Number: 2.b.
City of Iowa City
PROCLAMATION
Whereas, the Stono Rebellion (sometimes called Cato's Conspiracy or Cato's Rebellion) was
a slave rebellion that began on September 9, 1739 in the colony of South Carolina; and
Whereas, it was the largest slave uprising in the British mainland colonies, with 25 colonists
and 35 to 50 Africans killed. The uprising was led by native Africans who were likely from the
Central African Kingdom of Kongo; and
Whereas, their leader, Jemmy Cato, was a literate enslaved person. He led 20 other enslaved
Kongolese, in an armed march south from the Stono River to Florida. They had signs that read
"Liberty," and were beating drums and singing. They were bound for Spanish Florida where the
Spanish had promised them freedom and land at St. Augustine; and
Whereas, Jemmy and his group recruited nearly 60 other enslaved persons before being
intercepted and defeated by the South Carolina militia near the Edisto River; and
Whereas, a few of them that were captured were able to escape and traveled another 30 miles
before battling a week later with the militia; and
Whereas, most of the captured persons were executed; the surviving few were sold to markets
in the West Indies; and
Whereas, in response to the rebellion, the South Carolina legislature passed the Negro Act of
1740, which restricted slave assembly, education, and movement. It also enacted a 10 -year
moratorium against importing African slaves, because they were considered more rebellious, and
established penalties against slaveholders' harsh treatment of slaves; and
Whereas, African-American writers have long mentioned the Stono Rebellion including
W. E. B. Du Bois, in his 1903 classic The Souls of Black Folk which includes "Cato of Stono" in
a list of those early slaves who, prior to 1750, still had "the fire of African freedom" in their
blood.
Now, therefore, I, Mayor Bruce Teague hereby recognize the Stono Rebellion that occurred
on September 9, 1739 and these early African American heroes who fought for freedom but were
given death and would encourage each of you to learn more about the Rebellion and the life of
Jemmv Cato.
Mayor
Signed in Iowa City, Iowa
this 1 st day of September 2020