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WHEREAS, the epidemic of gun violence continues to negatively impact the social fabric all communities, particularly the African American community; and
WHEREAS, as the convener of the Peace Alliance Network, the Community Empowerment Association has coordinated a collaborative of residents of the City of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County, community based organizations, and faith based organizations, to rally around families who lost loved ones to violence. Community Empowerment has also worked effortlessly to alleviate violence in the Black Community by addressing the "root causes" and believes that these issues should inherently be addressed from a Public Health Approach; and
WHEREAS, the City of Pittsburgh is endorsing the Day of Remembrance because it is imperative to provide an opportunity of reflection for those who lost loved ones to violence. In addition, the City of Pittsburgh is willing to work with the Peace Alliance Network to facilitate change individually and legislatively; and
WHEREAS, the members of the Peace Alliance Network are dedicated, hard working community residents who believe that through dialogue and strategic action, that violence CAN BE mitigated in our communities.
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NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh, does hereby recognize and commend The Peace Alliance Network and its convener, T. Rashad Byrdsong and Community Empowerment Association for taking on the banner of fighting the Epidemic of Gun Violence in the African American Community. Also, for encouraging change via the legislative process in order to make a real impact on those lives most affected by these issues.
Be It Further Resolved, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby proclaim Tuesday, April 26, 2011, to be designated, "Day of Remembrance" day in the City of Pittsburgh.