HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-02-02 ProclamationCITY OIF IOWA CITY
www.icgov.org
February 2, 2021
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
Black History Month proclamation
Item Number: 2.a.
City of Iowa City
PROCLAMATION
Whereas, while February has been designated Black History Month for over forty
years, as a nation we have neglected to fully recognize Black people, their contributions,
and their history on every day of every month; and
Whereas, Black children are American children, such that all states should do as
Connecticut has done, and require public school offerings in Black and Latino history and
culture as part of the standard curriculum; and
Whereas, Black men are American men, such that they should never fear being treated
differently than any other American by law enforcement officers, as they do now; and
Whereas, Black women are American women, such that they should never fear their
babies dying at twice the rate of white and Asian -American babies, as they do now; and
Whereas, Black history is American history, and should be recognized and taught as
such; and
Whereas, Black History Month is still needed, but we look forward to a day when it is
a quaint anachronism, when all peoples' history is considered integral to the "Capital -H"
History we teach our children, all are treated fairly by law enforcement, all are given the
same quality of health care, and we remember and say the names of all who have
sacrificed so much on the journey to a just society.
Now, Therefore, I, Bruce Teague, Mayor of Iowa City, do hereby proclaim the
month of February 2021 to be
Black History Month
ayor
Signed in Iowa City, Iowa,
this 2nd day of February 2021.
Item Number: 2.b.
CITY OIF IOWA CITY
www.icgov.org
February 2, 2021
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
National Gun Violence Survivors Week proclamation
City of Iowa City
PROCLAMATION
Whereas, every year, nearly 39,000 Americans are killed in acts of gun viole
nearly 85,000 more are shot and wounded; and
Whereas, in Iowa the years between 2009 and 2018 saw a 35% increase in gun suicide
and a 75% increase in gun homicide (compared to a 19% increase and 18% increase
nationwide, respectively); and
Whereas, by early February, more Americans are killed with guns than are killed in our
peer countries in an entire calendar year; and
Whereas, a gun violence survivor is anyone who has personally experienced gun
violence — whether you have witnessed an act of gun violence, been threatened or
wounded with a gun, or had someone you know and cared for wounded or killed; and
Whereas, forms of gun violence can include, but are not limited to: gun suicides, gun
homicides, domestic violence involving a gun, and unintentional shootings; and
Whereas, 58 percent of American adults, including 68 percent of Black and Latino
Americans, or someone they care for has experienced gun violence in their lifetime,
demonstrating the reach and impact gun violence has in communities across America; and
Whereas, firearms are the leading cause of death for children and teens; and
Whereas, Americans in cities across the nation are working to end the senseless violence
by advocating for common-sense gun safety legislation; and
Whereas, we renew our commitment to reduce gun violence and pledge to do all we can
to keep firearms out of the wrong hands and encourage responsible gun ownership to help
keep our communities safe.
Now, Therefore, I, Bruce Teague, Mayor of Iowa City, do hereby proclaim February 1
to February 7, 2021 to be
National Gun Violence Survivors Week
I
Mayor
Signed in Iowa City, Iowa,
this 2' day of February 2021