Presenter
Presented by Mr. Udin
Body
WHEREAS, here ye, here ye, the Pittsburgh Darfur Emergency Coalition extends an invitation to participate on Thursday, October 6, 2005 in a worldwide Fast for Darfur; and
WHEREAS the Pittsburgh Darfur Emergency Coalition was formed in August 2004 to raise awareness locally of the devastation in Darfur, and to serve as a proactive link in providing protection to 2.5 million displaced civilians; and
WHEREAS, in the West Sudan, Darfur civilians have been the victims of genocide at the hands of the Sudanese government and its armed militia, resulting in the death, torture and rape of thousands of Darfurians; and
WHEREAS, the Darfur Emergency Coalition pursues its mission by hosting various events in conjunction with student organizations, Global Solutions Pittsburgh, the Thomas Merton Center, and Africa Peace Education and Action to disseminate information and raise revenue to assist social service agencies directly involved with the day-to-day care of the refugees; and
WHEREAS, as a part of the international effort, in conjunction with high school and college chapters of Students Taking Action Now, the Pittsburgh Darfur Emergency Coalition will hold a midday fast and rally with community leaders from 12 noon to 2:00 p.m. in Mellon Square Park at Smithfield and Sixth streets in which participants are being asked to forego lunch and donate their lunch money to humanitarian agencies assisting the Darfur refugees.
Title
NOW, THEREFORE, Pittsburgh City Council commends the initiatives of the Pittsburgh Darfur Emergency Coalition that heighten the awareness and garner the help needed to the protect our brothers and sisters in Darfur, Africa, specifically the Thursday, October 6, 2005 midday Fast for Darfur; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT, Thursday, October 6, 2005 is declared "Darfur Awareness Day" in the City of Pittsburgh.