Body
WHEREAS, University of Pittsburgh lecturer Adriana E. Ramírez was awarded the first PEN/Fusion Emerging Writers Prize, which recognizes a promising young writer under the age of 35 for an unpublished work of nonfiction that addresses a global or multicultural issue; and,
WHEREAS, Ms Ramírez submitted her manuscript for “Dead Boys,” which has been described as “an unflinching look at the bodies of those who have died too young;” and,
WHEREAS, the award is accompanied by $10,000 to assist the winner in continuing their literary endeavors and finding a publisher for their work; and,
WHEREAS, Ms. Ramírez was ranked the 26th best Slam Poet in the world, currently runs the Steel City Slam Team, and serves on the Executive Committee for Poetry Slam Inc., while continuing to perform poetry on stage at venues such as the 2014 Legends of Poetry Slam Showcase and TEDxHouston; and,
WHEREAS, since 2009, Ms. Ramírez has taught creative writing, composition, and literature courses in the English department at the University of Pittsburgh, where she has taught and mentored countless undergraduate and graduate students while advancing the needs of the English Department and its faculty and promoting the University.
Title
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby recognize Ms. Adriana Ramírez for her outstanding writing and poetry that seeks to advance freedom of expression and human rights; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare July 4, 2015 to be “Ms. Adriana Ramírez Day ” in the City of Pittsburgh.