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WHEREAS, in February 1870, the United States Congress ratified the 15th Amendment granting Black American Men the Right to Vote by declaring that the "right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude"; and,
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WHEREAS, in April 1870, leaders of the Pennsylvania Chapter of the Equal Rights League, along with abolitionist and other Religious Leaders of Pittsburgh, organized and held the Grand Jubilee of Freemen Parade to celebrate passage of the 15th Amendment; and,
WHEREAS, as reported in the 1870, April 27th issue of The Pittsburgh Gazette, the Grand Jubilee Parade was organized in local City Divisions from Allegheny County that included Birmingham city, Allegheny city and Pittsburgh, with a Division formed for Out-of-Town Dignitaries and Guests. This Grand Jubilee Parade saw some 5,000 participants which included Military Personnel, Social Groups, Religious organizations, Youth marchers, Native Americans, Politicians, Black and White citizens and Live Bands and Performers; and,
WHEREAS, on August 29th, 2020, in honor of the 150-year anniversary of passage of the 15th Amendment and the original Jubilee of Freemen Parade, Stop the Violence Pittsburgh has organized a re-enactment Parade and celebration; and,
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare August 29, 2020, the 150th year anniversary of Voting Rights in America and the City of Pittsburgh for all "citizens of the United States" regardless of race, color or previous condition of servitude; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare Saturday, August 29, 2020 to be “Jubilee of Freemen Parade Day” in the City of Pittsburgh.