5337636 Resolution 20-761, Sense of the Council that Black Lives Matter Emergency Resolution of 2014

A RESOLUTION

                                                        

20-761

 

IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

 

December 17, 2014         

 

 

To declare, on an emergency basis, the sense of the Council that Black Lives Matter.

 

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this resolution may be cited as the “Sense of the Council that Black Lives Matter Emergency Resolution of 2014”.

 

Sec. 2. The Council finds that:

(1) On August 9, 2014, in Ferguson, Missouri, Michael Brown, an 18-year old unarmed African-American teenager, was fatally shot by Darren Wilson, a white Ferguson police officer.  On November 24, 2014, the prosecutor publicly announced that the grand jury decided not to indict Darren Wilson.

(2) On July 17, 2014, in Staten Island, New York, Eric Garner, a 43-year-old African-American man, was fatally choked by Daniel Pantaleo, a white New York City police officer who put him in an illegal chokehold.  On December 3, 2014, a Staten Island grand jury decided not indict Daniel Pantaleo.

(3) The deaths of Michael Brown, Eric Garner and the failure of grand juries to indict have inspired several protests nation-wide as part of a national dialogue.

(4) Though violence often begets violence, the best response is the choice to engage in non-violent problem solving.

(5) Peaceful protests and other speech protected by the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States must be protected and received with a listening ear, an open mind, a willing heart, and other resources to effect change.

(6) A great measure of courage and resolve are necessary to correct unjust laws, enhance fairness in our criminal justice system and create a more perfect Union.

(7) Our nation continues to struggle with issues of race, bias, racial prejudice and racism.

(8) Black Lives Matter is a declaration and movement that has been embraced by persons from various cities, cultures, socio-economic backgrounds and races.  It is spoken, typed, displayed, and otherwise communicated in recognition of the historical and cultural context in which recent events have occurred, with the understanding that the lives of people of color in this nation have not been appropriately valued, to the detriment of their lives and to the harm of this nation as a whole, and with the hope that this will change.

Sec. 3.  It is the sense of the Council that Black Lives Matter, as do the lives of all residents of the District of Columbia.

 

Sec. 4. The Council of the District of Columbia shall transmit a copy of this resolution, upon its adoption, to the Mayor.

 

Sec. 5.  This resolution shall take effect immediately.