Council Meeting

January 14, 1998

 

A Resolution

 

            WHEREAS, the City of Chicago, the State of Illinois, and our entire nation continues to confront the challenge of violence in the form of hate crimes, brutality, domestic abuse and other forms of inhumanity; and

 

            WHEREAS, an awareness of nonviolent principles and practices is a powerful way to heal and transform our lives and communities, to recognize the dignity and worth of every human being, and to promote peace and harmony among all people regardless of race, color, culture, class, language, faith, age, gender, sexual preference or other apparent difference; and

 

            WHEREAS, the principles and practices of nonviolence were epitomized in the lives and work of two international leaders, Mahatma Mohandas K. Gandhi and Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.; and

 

            WHEREAS, January 30, 1998 marks the 50th anniversary of the assassination in India of Mahatma Mohandas K. Gandhi, and April 4th, 1998 marks the 30th anniversary of the assassination in America of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.; and

           

            WHEREAS. A Season for Nonviolence will kick-off and culminate with observances at the United Nations in New York City and observances in hundreds os cities and other locales around the globe; and

 

            WHEREAS, during the period between January 30, 1998 and April 4, 1998, groups throughout the United States and the world will sponsor projects and programs to create greater awareness and consciousness of the principles and practices of nonviolence, including symposia on interfaith and inter-racial healing; days of dialouge, prayer, and meditationl artistic and cultural events; essay contests; and special activities for children; and

 

            WHEREAS, we in Chicago, a world class city in the heat of the United States, have a great opportunity to focus the hearts and minds of our citizens on nonviolencve in recognition and celebration of A Season for Nonviolence;

 

            THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that Mayor Richard M. Daley and the members of the Chicago City Council do hereby declare the period from January 30, 1998 through April 4, 1998 A Season for Nonviolence in Chicago; and

 

            THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Chicago supports programs and projects conducted in the spirit of nonviolence during this season and honors the organizers of these activities on their commitment to world peace and global harmony; and

 

            THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that suitable copies of this resolution be presented to the National Co-Directors of A Season for Nonviolence.