City Resolution for A Season for Nonviolence
City of Chicago 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 dialogue, prayer, and meditation, 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 nonviolence 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.