June 5, 2023 council adoption minutes
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June 05, 2023 7:00 PM City of Smyrna Mayor and Council Meeting Smyrna Community Center Magnolia Room Page 4 of 15 Whereas, for more than 50 years, June has been celebrated as LGBTQ Pride Month nationwide in honor of the LGBTQ citizens that rose up and fought discriminatory laws at Stonewall; and Whereas, the historical riot at Stonewall in New York City on June 28, 1969, is considered a turning point for LGBTQ liberation in the United States; and Whereas, the City of Smyrna cherishes the value and dignity of each person and appreciates the importance of equality and freedom; and Whereas, all are welcome in the City of Smyrna to live, work and play, and every family, in any shape, deserves a place to call home where they are safe, happy, and supported by friends and neighbors; and Whereas, the City of Smyrna denounces prejudice and unfair discrimination based on age, gender identity, gender expression, race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, or physical attributes as an affront to our fundamental principles; and Whereas, the City of Smyrna appreciates the cultural, civic, and economic contributions of the LGBTQ community; and Whereas, it is imperative that young people in our community, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression, feel valued, safe, empowered, and supported by their peers and community leaders; NOW Therefore, I, Derek Norton, Mayor of the City of Smyrna, do hereby proclaim and recognize June 2023 as LGBTQ Pride month in the City of Smyrna, Georgia and urge residents to recognize the contributions made by members of the LGBTQ community and actively promote the principles of equality, liberty, and justice. Smyrna Is Fabulous is the only Pride group on Cobb County and the second largest Pride group in the state of Georgia. Smyrna Is Fabulous’ motto is “Live Where You Are Loved.” There will be a Pride even on Saturday, June 17, 2023, in the Market Village. B. PRC2023-013 Proclamation in Recognition of Juneteenth (June 19, 2023) Ward 2 Councilmember - Latonia P. Hines Councilmember Latonia P. Hines read and presented the following proclamation: A PROCLAMATION BY THE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF SMYRNA In Recognition of Juneteenth June 19, 2023 Whereas, Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, is celebrated each year on June 19th in the United States to commemorate the end of slavery; and Whereas, though the Emancipation Proclamation had been issued on September 22, 1862, with an effective date of January 1, 1863, it had minimal immediate effect on most slaves' day-to-day lives, particularly in Texas, which was almost entirely under Confederate control; and Whereas, Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, the day Union General Gordon Granger and 2,000 federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to take possession of the state and enforce the emancipation of its slaves; and Whereas, Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration of the ending of slavery. The celebration of June 19th was coined "Juneteenth" and grew with more participation from descendants. Juneteenth today celebrates African American freedom while encouraging self-development and respect for all cultures; and