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WHEREAS, Black Forge Coffee House opened its doors in 2015 in the Allentown neighborhood of Pittsburgh; and,
WHEREAS, Since opening, Black Forge Coffee House has become a neighborhood staple, focusing on spotlighting neighborhood events, hosting community meetings and facilitating dialogue within our community; and,
WHEREAS, Black Forge Coffee has gone above and beyond to provide a safe haven for all community members who wish to freely express their thoughts and ideas, helping set a positive example of what a socially conscious business looks like for future entrepreneurs wanting to be part of Allentown’s revitalization; and,
WHEREAS, Small, locally owned businesses are vital in the City of Pittsburgh’s efforts to attract investment and growth, and therefore, City Council of Pittsburgh supports Black Forge Coffee House’s efforts to be an active part of the Allentown neighborhood; and,
WHEREAS, It is paramount that we encourage our community members to exercise their First Amendment protected right to engage in constructive discourse; and,
WHEREAS, Whether it is satire, or another form of expression that an individual may employ to express his or herself, it is vital that we, as a community, stand in support of those who wish to be part of ongoing constructive discourse; and,
WHEREAS, Open discourse and debate are the bedrock of our democracy, therefore, attacks on civil liberties cannot be tolerated; and,
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NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh stands in solidarity with Black Forge Coffee House and with those who wish to partake in their protected right to engage in all forms of expression; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Council encourages City of Pittsburgh residents to not only partake in creative expression, but to support those who choose to do so in a constructive manner.