RES-2020-069 RESOLUTION NO. 2020 - 069
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF ANAHEIM AGAINST RACIAL INJUSTICE AND
DECLARATION THAT BLACK LIVES MATTER
WHEREAS, the Black Lives Matter movement stands against violence and systemic
racism towards Black people; and
WHEREAS, the United States of America was founded on the Self-Evident Truth that all
people are created equal; and
WHEREAS, while we as a nation have strived to reach this ideal, at this time in our
history, Black people still face greater discrimination than other races, which must be
acknowledged and calls for greater efforts; and
WHEREAS, the Anaheim City Council believes that we must forthrightly address racism
and bigotry in our society, so we may work to ensure all Americans, and especially African
Americans, fully participate in the promise of America and redeem the "promissory note" of
freedom, equality and justice of which Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. spoke; and
WHEREAS, Dr. King further stated, "there comes a time when silence is betrayal" and
"our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter;" and
WHEREAS, the Black Lives Matter movement reminds us that an America of equal
justice, liberty and opportunity, free of racism and bigotry, must be, in Abraham Lincoln's
words, "revered by all; constantly looked to, constantly labored for, and even though never
perfectly attained, constantly approximated, and thereby constantly spreading and deepening its
influence, and augmenting the happiness and value of life to all people of all colors everywhere;"
and
WHEREAS, the Anaheim City Council believes that the movement "Black Lives Matter"
does not mean "Only Black Lives Matter," but instead, that at this time, more attention must be
paid to the continued systemic racism as highlighted by the Black Lives Matter movement, and
until we address this, we are falling short of our founding principles; and
WHEREAS, the horrific tragedy of George Floyd highlights the ongoing racism that
must be addressed; and
WHEREAS, George Floyd, an African American man, died on May 25, 2020 while
handcuffed and lying face down on a city street in Minneapolis, Minnesota during an arrest when
a police officer held his knee on the right side of Floyd's neck for 8 minutes and 46 seconds; and
WHEREAS, according to the criminal complaint against the police officer, he kept his
knee on Floyd's neck for 2 minutes and 53 seconds after Floyd became unresponsive; and
WHEREAS, two other police officers participated in Floyd's arrest holding his back and
legs while a third police officer stood by looking on; and
WHEREAS, an independent autopsy found that his death was "a homicide caused by
asphyxia due to neck and back compression that led to a lack of blood flow to the brain;" and
WHEREAS, several bystanders recorded the event on their smartphones with at least one
video showing Floyd repeating saying, "Please, I can't breathe;" and
WHEREAS, mass demonstrations have erupted in our city and county, as well as across
the country and globally in protest of and outrage for the senseless death of George Floyd and to
draw attention to the ongoing issue of police violence and racial injustice; and
WHEREAS, many people across the country of every race have expressed frustration,
helplessness, unrest and anger against police violence and racial injustice; and
WHEREAS, the Anaheim City Council recognizes efforts made throughout our history to
improve efforts of improving community and police relations;
WHEREAS, the Anaheim City Council recognizes and commends those who have
worked tirelessly for their civil rights which has moved our City toward a more inclusive,just
and kind community.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Anaheim City Council that "Black
Lives Matter;" and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Anaheim stands firm
against racism and racial inequality and in support of equal justice for all.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council of Anaheim encourages our cultural
institutions to promote an inclusive and more reflective history of those who helped build our
great city.
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THE FOREGOING RESOLUTION is approved and adopted by the City Council of the
City of Anaheim this 23rd day of June, 2020, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Mayor Sidhu and Council Members Faessel, Barnes, Brandman, Moreno, and
Kring
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: Council Member O'Neil
CITY A ANAHEIM
,
MA +•Vir T tE I P OF ANAHEIM
ATTEST:
CITY CLE OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM
CLERK'S CERTIFICATE
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF ORANGE ) ss.
CITY OF ANAHEIM )
I, THERESA BASS, City Clerk of the City of Anaheim, do hereby certify that the foregoing is the
original Resolution No. 2020-069 adopted at a regular meeting provided by law, of the Anaheim
City Council held on the 23rd day of June, 2020 by the following vote of the members thereof:
AYES: Mayor Sidhu and Council Members Faessel, Barnes, Brandman, Moreno, and
Kring
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: Council Member O'Neil
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 30th day of June, 2020.
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CITY CLERf. OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM
(SEAL)