RESOLUTION FOR BOARD MEETING OF JUNE 6, 2024
Title
RESOLUTION sponsored by the Board of Commissioners recognizing June as Pride Month
Body
WHEREAS, on June 28, 1969, the New York City Police Department conducted a raid of the Stonewall Inn, a tavern located in New York City’s Greenwich Village, which for many years had been considered a safe place to gather and celebrate for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and people with other identities (LGBTQ+); and
WHEREAS, as a consequence of the raid, patrons of the Stonewall Inn, as well as bystanders and those passionate about LGBTQ+ equality responded with spontaneous acts of civil disobedience that lasted five days and transformed into a larger demonstration of resistance. The uprising at the Stonewall Inn subsequently became the catalyst for a burgeoning LGBTQ+ movement; and
WHEREAS, in June of 1970, in observance of the anniversary of the Stonewall Inn confrontation, activists and supporters of the LGBTQ+ community marched in numerous cities throughout the United States. This display of solidarity transformed into a month-long tribute to the Stonewall Inn upheaval and the LGBTQ+ populace; and
WHEREAS, Chicago has always been at the forefront of the movement for LGBTQ+ rights. In fact, the first organized campaign is credited as having begun in Chicago in the 1920s. With that historic legacy, Chicago was proudly one of the many cities that participated in the commemoration events of 1970, a tradition that has been followed every year since; and
WHEREAS, now known as Pride Month, June is celebrated throughout the United States with parades, marches, carnivals, parties, and other gatherings. Pride Month has received recognition from several Presidents of the United States, including President William J. Clinton, President Barack H. Obama, and President Joseph R. Biden; and
WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (District) has participated in Pride festivities for numerous years. This year in recognition of Pride Month, the District will once again raise the Pride flag outside of the main office building and each of the treatment plants. Additionally, the District is hosting events on June 6th, and June 20th to highlight the importance of diversity and representation; and
WHEREAS, on June 30, 2024 the City will host the 53rd annual Chicago Pride Parade. The theme of this year’s parade is “Pride is Power”. The District is honored that Commissioner Precious Brady-Davis will serve as one of the Community Grand Marshals of the parade; and
WHEREAS, the District is proud to celebrate the invaluable contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals within our community and highlights the strength and resilience of the LGBTQ+ populace; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that we, the Board of Commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, on behalf of ourselves and our staff, do hereby recognize June as Pride Month; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Resolution be spread upon the permanent Record of Proceedings of the Board of Commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago.
Dated: June 6, 2024