* WARNING: THIS IS AN UNOFFICIAL, INTRODUCTORY COPY OF THE BILL.
THE OFFICIAL COPY CONSIDERED BY THE CITY COUNCIL IS THE FIRST READER COPY.
INTRODUCTORY*
CITY OF BALTIMORE
COUNCIL BILL
Introduced by: Councilmember Holton
A RESOLUTION ENTITLED
A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL concerning
Title
Celebrating National Women's History Month In Baltimore City
FOR the purpose of celebrating National Women's History Month by paying homage to the women in our lives in recognition of their many accomplishments and selfless devotion to families, friends, and communities; honoring the spirit of enduring hope and strength of character that has provided the foundation for the nation; and providing for a special effective date.
Body
Recitals
National Women's History Month's roots go back to March 8, 1857, when women from New York City factories staged a protest over working conditions. International Women's Day was first observed in 1909; however, it was not until 1981 that Congress established National Women's History Week to be commemorated the second week of March. In 1987, Congress expanded the week of celebration to a month of celebration. Every year since, Congress has passed a resolution for Women's History Month, and the President has issued a proclamation.
Although as of this writing, the current President has not yet issued a proclamation in honor of the month, in remarks made in a speech in Washington, D.C., November 10, 2005, his sentiments are clear: "From the first moment a woman dared to speak that hope — dared to believe that the American Dream was meant for her, too — ordinary women have taken on extraordinary odds to give their daughters the chance for something else; for a life more equal, more free, and filled with more opportunity than they ever had. In so many ways we have succeeded, but in so many areas we have much work left to do."
According to the Census Bureau, females were 53.4% of the population of Baltimore City, in 2007. The City's commitment to this population is embodied by the Baltimore City Commission for Women's mission to promote societal and institutional change for women in the City through research, advocacy programs, policy analysis, legislation, and program development. The Commission, created by Ordinance in 1986, consists of 25 members appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council. The members, along with an Executive Director appointed by the Mayor, serve as the focus and forum for the identification and amelioration of the unique problems faced by women in our society and on any practice of discrimination or prejudice that exists because of gender.
In celebration of Women's History Month this year Mayor Sheila Dixon will host her 3rd Annual "Red Bag" Speaker Series every Wednesday in March from 12:00 PM-1:00 PM at City Hall. Everyone is invited to bring their lunch and join the Mayor as she features some of Baltimore's most influential and talented women who are shaping tomorrow's history today. Women in Faith (March 4th) will highlight Vashti M. McKenzie, the 1st female Bishop of the AME Church, and Rabbi Nina Beth Cardin, Director of the Baltimore Jewish Environmental Network. Women in the Media (March 11th ) will highlight Jayne Miller, WBAL-TV, and Tanika White, former Fashion Editor of the Baltimore Sun. Women in Health and Science (March 18th) will feature Dr. Michelle Gourdine (award-winning physician), and Women in the Arts (March 25th ) will feature Maysa, the jazz great.
Although legendary women are recognized during National Women's History Month, here in Baltimore, where we have are own "historic 4" leaders, we take this time to express appreciation to all our mothers, grandmothers, sisters, aunts, and stepmothers who have provided the faith, strength, and hope on which our communities are built.
SECTION 1. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF BALTIMORE, That we celebrate National Women's History Month by paying homage to the women in our lives in recognition of their many accomplishments and selfless devotion to families, friends, and communities; and honoring the spirit of enduring hope and strength of character that has provided the foundation for the nation.
SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be sent to the Mayor, the Executive Director of the Commission on Women, and the Mayor's Legislative Liaison to the City Council.
SECTION 3. AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this Resolution takes effect on the date it is enacted
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