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.
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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.