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A CEREMONIAL RESOLUTION
21-123
IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
October 6, 2015
To recognize and commemorate the Mother’s Tea on the occasion of its 10th anniversary bringing together families of victims of homicide and their perpetrators in an act of forgiveness and reconciliation.
WHEREAS, violent crime is a persistent problem throughout the District of Columbia, with the District experiencing a significant increase in homicides in 2015;
WHEREAS, believing that both the mothers of homicide victims and homicide perpetrators are victims, Reverend Anthony Motley brought together the 2 mothers of a murdered Anacostia High School student and his killer as an act of forgiveness in 2004;
WHEREAS, inspired by this meeting, Reverend Motley hosted the inaugural Forgiving Mother’s Tea in the summer of 2004 at the Willard InterContinental Hotel on Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., to bring together other mothers of homicide victims and their perpetrators;
WHEREAS, the Mother’s Tea has increased its scope in recent years to include the mothers and family of other victims of violent crime, bringing in even more members of the community to heal;
WHEREAS, sponsorship of the Mother’s Tea has expanded significantly, with support from the Metropolitan Police Department, numerous Ward 8 organizations, and especially, the East of the River Clergy Police Community Partnership; and
WHEREAS, relying on the donations of the community, the Mother’s Tea has continued to host its annual “party with a purpose,” bringing together the community in a unifying act of healing.
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this resolution may be cited as the “Mother’s Tea 10th Anniversary Recognition Resolution of 2015”.
Sec. 2. The Council of the District of Columbia recognizes and honors the mothers who, despite their deep loss, come together every year to help heal their community at the Mother’s Tea.
Sec. 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon the first date of publication in the District of Columbia Register.
