TITLE
Recommendation to request to enact a resolution recognizing the third Tuesday of every January as the Day of Racial Healing.
DISCUSSION
Lauded for its diverse culture and population, the City of Long Beach has led several initiatives to address the inclusion and overall well-being of every community. We have taken great strides to advance the health and safety of every community through the creation of the Office of Equity and the alignment of Citywide programs, such as My Brother's Keeper, the Language Access Policy, and Safe Long Beach. These initiatives demonstrate the City's priority for ensuring that every resident, no matter their background, has what they need to thrive.
On January 17, 2017, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation was joined by 550 U.S. leaders, and over 130 organizations to promote the first National Day of Racial Healing. Events and activities were coordinated across the country, bringing people together to celebrate their differences, in honor of our common humanity. The National Day of Racial Healing follows the observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, engaging people from different identity groups to increase understanding and respect for one another.
A City of Long Beach recognition of National Day of Racial Healing acknowledges the work that needs to still to be done to bring about sustainable change. Long Beach is a leader in undertakings to ensure the economic and socio-cultural prosperity of every resident in every community. As such, our observance of National Day of Racial Healing iterates our commitment to healing the wounds created by racial, ethnic and religious prejudice, to build an equitable and just society, so that everyone can thrive.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no significant fiscal impact.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
REX RICHARDSON
COUNCILMEMBER, NINTH DISTRICT
JEANNINE PEARCE
COUNCILMEMBER, SECOND DISTRICT
ROBERTO URANGA
COUNCILMEMBER, SEVENTH DISTRICT