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WHEREAS the Gamaliel Foundation exists as a collaborative of grass roots, faith-based, cultural, and advocacy organizations who have joined together in order to establish a more just and democratic society; and
WHEREAS currently, the Gamaliel Foundation has established itself internationally, with 61 affiliates who are located across the United States, Kenya, and five South African provinces; and
WHEREAS with over one million individual members, the Gamaliel Foundation seeks to provide its participating organizations with the skills and tools that are necessary for effective community organizing and the creation of various social justice campaigns; and
WHEREAS the Gamaliel Foundation's African American Leadership Commission (AALC) will host its "Juneteenth Conference" from June 21st through June 22nd, 2007 at the Radisson Pittsburgh-Green Tree Hotel; and
WHEREAS the theme of this year's conference will be "Uniting for Power: A Focus on Building Multi-Racial, Multi-Religious, and Multi-Institutional Coalitions for Change"; and
WHEREAS the host of this year's AALC Conference will be none other than Pittsburgh's own Reverend John Welch, who currently serves as the President of the Pittsburgh Interfaith Impact Network (PIIN) and as the Vice-President for Student Affairs at the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary; and
WHEREAS the "Juneteenth Conference" will include a number of world-renowned community leaders, clergy, labor organizers, and scholars who will address the ways in which communities and organizations can work together in order to increase social justice and equality within their respective spheres.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby wish to commend the Gamaliel Foundation, its African American Leadership Commission, the Reverend John Welch, and all of the AALC's many "Juneteenth Conference" speakers, participants and attendees for their dedication and commitment to creating communities that promote equality for all people, regardless of their race, class, or creed.