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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. // // // // // // 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. 4 CITY CLERf. OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM (SEAL)