Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-11-17 ProclamationItem Number: 2.a. November 17, 2020 AT TAC HM E NT S : Description National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week proclamation City of Iowa City PROCLAMATION Whereas, hunger and homelessness remain one of our nation's most pressing domestic issues; and Whereas, this proclamation is an endeavor to educate and promote awareness about issues surrounding hunger and homelessness and to inspire action and advocacy on behalf of people with food insecurities and who lack a permanent home; and Whereas, the plight of hunger and homelessness is an issue faced daily by hundreds of men, women, and children throughout our own community; and Whereas, food insecurity and hunger stem from poverty and a lack of reliable income sources; and Whereas, homelessness is the result of a complex set of circumstances that push people into poverty and force impossible choices between food, shelter and other basic needs; and Whereas, there are many organizations committed to sheltering and providing supportive services as well as meals and food supplies to people in need such as the membership of the Local Homeless Coordinating Board; and Whereas, there has been steady progress to end hunger and homelessness through the collaborative efforts of our community, and we continue to work towards developing resources and capacity to meet the needs of people who are homeless and hungry, and thereby offer them hope, opportunity, and dignity. Now, Therefore, I, Bruce Teague, Mayor of Iowa City, do hereby proclaim November 16a' — 20`h to be National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week in Iowa City, Iowa and urge all citizens to join in recognizing the important roles we each can play in making a difference in the lives of men, women, and children who experience hunger and homelessness in our community. Signed in Iowa City, Iowa, this 17th day of November 2020. 3�� -I Nivor Signed in Iowa City, Iowa, this 17th day of November 2020. Item Number: 2.b. November 17, 2020 AT TAC HM E NT S : Description National Native American Heritage Month proclamation City of Iowa City PROCLAMATION Whereas, long before European settlers arrived in North America, Native Americans, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians had built thriving societies based upon principles we recognize today as to be emulated and reclaimed, among them sustainability and community; and Whereas, while Native Americans, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians have suffered from unjust treaties, discriminatory policies, and atrocious governmental actions, they have nevertheless contributed in countless ways to the success of this country; and Whereas, exemplars of Natives who have contributed include the Code Talkers of World Wars I and II; or Mary Golda Ross, the first female Native American rocket scientist, who began working for Lockheed in 1942; and Specialist Lori Piestawa, the first Native -American servicewoman killed in action, during Operation Iraqi Freedom; and Whereas, we honor our native peoples and recognize them for strengthening the diversity of our society. Now, therefore, I, Bruce Teague, Mayor of the City of Iowa City, Iowa do hereby proclaim November 2020 to be National Native American Heritage Month and encourage all residents to learn more about the Native heritage of this country and to commemorate this month with appropriate programs and activities. Ma or Signed in Iowa City, Iowa, this 17th day of November 2020. Item Number: 2.c. November 17, 2020 AT TAC HM E NT S : Description Small B usiness S aturday proclamation City of Iowa City PROCLAMATION Whereas, the government of Iowa City, Iowa, celebrates our local small businesses and the contributions they make to our local economy and community; according to the United States Small Business Administration, there are 31.7 million small businesses in the United States, they represent 99.9% of all firms with paid employees in the United States, are responsible for 65.1 % of net new jobs created from 2000 to 2019; and Whereas, small businesses employ 47.1% of the employees in the private sector in the United States, 62% of U.S. small businesses reported that they need to see consumer spending return to pre-COVID levels by the end of 2020 in order to stay in business, 65% of U.S. small business owners said it would be most helpful to their business to have their "regulars" return and start making purchases again, and three-quarters of U.S. consumers are currently looking for ways to Shop Small® and support their community; and Whereas, 96% of consumers who shopped on Small Business Saturday® agree that shopping at small, independently -owned businesses supports their commitment to making purchases that have a positive social, economic, and environmental impact and 97% of consumers who shopped on Small Business Saturday agree that small businesses are essential to their community; and Whereas, 95% of consumers who shopped on Small Business Saturday reported the day makes them want to shop or eat at small, independently -owned businesses all year long, not just during the holiday season; and Whereas, Iowa City, Iowa supports our local businesses that create jobs, boost our local economy, and preserve our communities; and Whereas, advocacy groups, as well as public and private organizations, across the country have endorsed the Saturday after Thanksgiving as Small Business Saturday; and Now, Therefore, I, Bruce Teague, Mayor of Iowa City, do hereby proclaim November 28th, 2020, as Small Business Saturday and urge the residents of our community, and communities across the country, to support small businesses and merchants on Small Business Saturday and throughout the year. or Signed in Iowa City, Iowa, this 17th day of November 202( Item Number: 2.d. November 17, 2020 AT TAC HM E NT S : Description Transgender Remembrance Day proclamation City of Iowa City PROCLAMATION Whereas, transgender people come from all walks of life and make up a part of a diverse community, representing all racial, ethnic and religious backgrounds; and Whereas, transgender individuals around the world and in the United States are exposed to widespread social stigma, discrimination, harassment, and physical and sexual abuse; and Whereas, the City recognizes the increasing rate of deaths by violence of transgender individuals nationwide and the disproportionate effects of this against transgender women of color; and Whereas, our entire community is diminished when we lose the talents and contributions of any member of our community prematurely, whether due to direct anti-transgender violence or due to suicide or other health effects resulting from trauma or discrimination; and Whereas, Transgender Day of Remembrance began in 1999 as a vigil to honor the memory of Rita Hester, a transgender woman who was killed in 1998, and to raise awareness of hate crimes against transgender people; and Whereas, Human Rights Campaign statistics show that 80% of anti-transgender homicide victims are transgender women of color, making the tragedy of anti-transgender violence especially heartbreaking in Black and Latino communities; and Whereas, the City of Iowa City honors the bravery and resilience of transgender individuals who live, work or play in our city in their authentic gender and although we are proud of the existing legal protections we have for transgender individuals to pursue their lives free from discrimination in Iowa City, we reaffirm a commitment to on-going efforts to promote full inclusion of transgender individuals; and Whereas, the City of Iowa City is committed to diversity, social justice, equity, and mutual respect and safety of those a part of this community. Now, Therefore, 1, Bruce Teague, Mayor of Iowa City, do hereby declare November 20th, to in Iowa City. Transgender Remembrance Day ayor Signed in Iowa City, Iowa, this 17th day of November 2020.