RESOLUTION NO. RS2014-1153

A resolution recognizing the YWCA of Nashville & Middle Tennessee for their efforts in standing against racism.

WHEREAS, July 9th marks the date of the “Stand Against Racism” event sponsored by the YWCA of Nashville & Middle Tennessee; and

WHEREAS, the YWCA is an organization dedicated to eliminating racism and empowering women throughout Nashville and Middle Tennessee; and

WHEREAS, the YWCA of Nashville & Middle Tennessee was founded in 1898 and has a long tradition and history of bringing together women and families of all races for many years; and

WHEREAS, July 2nd marks the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Civil Rights Act by President Lyndon B. Johnson; and

WHEREAS the Blue Triangle branch of the YWCA merged with the Central Association to become one integrated YWCA in 1964; and

WHEREAS, the YWCA of Nashville & Middle Tennessee is partnering with numerous organizations across the Middle Tennessee region to take a stand against racism on July 9, 2014 by taking the following pledge: “As an individual committed to social justice, I stand with the YWCA against racism and discrimination of any kind. I pledge to challenge any expression of racism in my presence by my family, my friends, my co-workers and those I encounter. I will commit to a lifetime of promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all people in my community and in the world.”;and

WHEREAS, this pledge will be taken at an event hosted by the YWCA of Nashville & Middle Tennessee on July 9th at the Church Street Park located in Downtown Nashville; and

WHEREAS under the leadership of CEO Patricia Shea, Board Chair Ann Pruitt, and Racial Justice Committee Chair Beverly Watts, the YWCA will be joined at the event by individuals and organizations from across Nashville including the ACLU of Tennessee, A Voice for the Reduction of Poverty in Nashville and Beyond, ACLU of Tennessee, A Voice for the Reduction of Poverty in Nashville and Beyond, American Muslim Advisory Council, CABLE, Clergy for Tolerance, Coalition for Education About Immigration, Community Nashville, Community Relations Committee of the Jewish Federation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee, Conexión Américas, Cordell Hull UN Chapter, Family of Abraham, Fisk University, General Commission of United Methodist Men, Hatcher & Fell Photography, Islamic Center of Nashville, Junior League of Nashville, League of Women Voters of Nashville, LeQuire Gallery, Metro Human Relations Commission, Metro Nashville Schools, Metro Nashville Board of Education, Nashville Branch NAACP, Nashville for All of Us, Sullivan Branding, Tennessee Board of Regents, Tennessee Human Rights Commission, Tennessee State University, TIRRC (Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition), Urban League of Middle Tennessee, Vanderbilt Divinity School, WIN (Women in Numbers); and

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. The Metropolitan Council hereby goes on record as recognizing the YWCA of Nashville & Middle Tennessee for their efforts in standing against racism.

Section 2. The Metropolitan Council further recognizes the YWCA of Nashville & Middle Tennessee for continually providing services to the entire Nashville community such as helping families leave abusive households, providing free GED education to men and women, and mentoring middle school girls in numerous Nashville neighborhoods.

Section 3. The Metropolitan Council Office is directed to prepare a copy of this Resolution to be presented at the “Stand Against Racism” event on July 9, 2014.

Section 4. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Megan Barry

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY
Referred to:	Rules & Confirmations Committee
Introduced:	July 1, 2014
Adopted:	July 1, 2014
Approved:	July 7, 2014
By: