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WHEREAS, on Saturday, July 5, 2008, John Hughes will be honored at a reception and jazz concert at the Trinity Episcopal Cathedral sponsored by the Global Outreach for Addiction Leadership and Learning (GOAL) Project; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Hughes started his career as an addictions counselor at Western Psychiatric Hospital in Pittsburgh, working with hundreds of Pittsburgh's returning Vietnam veterans; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Hughes dedicated over 20 years of his life to doing race relations work in western Pennsylvania and West Virginia for the U.S. Justice Department's Human Relations Commission; and
WHEREAS, as a social worker gifted in conflict resolution and mediation, Mr. Hughes worked closely with the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission and a variety of community-based non-profits to intervene on the side of peace and understanding during times of racial tension and unrest; and
WHEREAS, considered to be one of Pittsburgh's preeminent senior jazz pianists, Mr. Hughes re-immersed himself in his life-long passion for music and was a founding board member of the African American Jazz Preservation Society of Pittsburgh; and
WHEREAS, as an international faith-based organization focused on the elimination of addiction and HIV/AIDS, the GOAL Project is pleased to single him out for distinction.
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NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh commends John Hughes and honors his commitment to those in need, and his devotion to the musical arts; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh hereby declares July 5, 2008, "John Hughes Day" in the City of Pittsburgh.