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October 2, 2003 - Stop the Hate Vigil Day

RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Mahatma Gandhi said we must be the change we want in the world, and we cannot remain silent when others are demeaned, humiliated, assaulted, and tortured emotionally and physically; and

WHEREAS, Martin Luther King Jr. said that the enforcement of law is itself a form of peaceful persuasion but the law needs help.  We want to stop the haters who commit crimes and other acts of prejudice against people; and

WHEREAS, We want to focus on people as individuals with unique characteristics, emotions, challenges, and dreams, and we want to cherish a person's right to change, to grow, to become; and,

WHEREAS, This nation should be a safe place for all of its inhabitants and visitors; and

WHEREAS, The nation has been shocked by the brutal assault of many people in our society because of their nationality, religion, disability, race, color, sexuality, gender, ethnicity, and religious beliefs; and

WHEREAS, Hate violence affects particular individuals, and towns and cities in different ways, but no matter where hate violence occurs, the community will be damaged; and

WHEREAS, The Stop the Hate Vigil allows people to act as agents of healing in their communities; to stand up to hate violence directed at anyone and anywhere; to speak out when people are attacked; and to raise a united voice against hate violence.

NOW, THEREFORE, The State of Nebraska Equal Opportunity Commission DOES HEREBY PROCLAIM the 2nd day of October 2003 as Stop the Hate Vigil Day in Nebraska, when individuals will present a united voice against hate.

Lynne Friedewald, Commissioner

Melvin Clancy, Commissioner

Lend Frison, Commissioner

Rita Griess, Commissioner

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August 15, 2003 - March on Washington 40th Anniversary

March on Washington 40th Anniversary Resolution

Whereas the 1963 march on Washington was an historic and course-altering event for Nebraska and the country; and

Whereas August 28, 2003 marks the 40th anniversary of this monumental event; and

Whereas the Nebraska Equal Opportunity Commission remains committed to the ideals espoused during the March 40 years ago; and

Whereas the same issues of equal opportunity in employment, housing and public accommodations prominent 40 years ago, continue to be prominent goals for the country and for Nebraska; and

Whereas the 40th Anniversary Celebration will serve to remind and to reinforce the resolve to continue the work towards those goals as not yet realized;

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Commissioners and Staff of the Nebraska Equal Opportunity Commission hereby join in the recognition and celebration of the 40th Anniversary of the 1963 March on Washington, and hereby encourage other organizations in the State of Nebraska to join in the remembrance in order to keep the dream alive and to renew efforts for achieving the goals articulated 40 years ago but not yet realized. 

Signed August Fifteenth in the year of our Lord Two Thousand Three

Melvin Clancy, Commissioner

Lynne Friedewald, Commissioner

Lend Frison, Commissioner

Rita Griess, Commissioner

Alfonza Whitaker, Executive Director

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February 21, 2003 - Black History Month

RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Black History Month is traditionally observed in February of each year, and;

WHEREAS, Black History Month is designed to recognize and pay tribute to many Blacks long neglected by society and the history books, and;

WHEREAS, Black History Month aims to bridge the gap created by American history's failure to accurately acknowledge, portray and record the contributions and inventions of Blacks, and;

WHEREAS, Black History Month seeks to emphasize that Black History is American History, and;

WHEREAS, Black History Month acknowledges the achievements of Blacks in the Military, the Arts, Civil Rights, Education, Entertainment, History, Law, Literature, Medicine, Music, Politics, Science, Sports, and other Arenas, and'

WHEREAS, African Americans reflect a proud legacy of courage and dedication that has helped to guide our Nation's success and prosperity.

WHEREAS, The Nebraska Equal Opportunity Commission is a state agency whose mission is to eliminate and eradicate unlawful discrimination throughout the State of Nebraska.

NOW, THEREFORE, be It Resolved on the 21st day of February 2003, the commissioners and staff of the Nebraska Equal Opportunity Commission hereby recognize and acknowledge that American history has omitted the contributions to society made by Blacks and thereby encourages all citizens to gain awareness and appreciation for Black history, and enters this Resolution in the minutes of the Commission meeting held in Omaha, Nebraska on this date.

Signed February Twenty-First in the year of our Lord Two Thousand Three.

Merri Hackbarth, Chairperson

Manny Cordero, Vice Chairperson

Lynne Friedewald, Commissioner

John Leon, Commissioner

Melvin Clancy, Commissioner

Rita Griess, Commissioner

Lend Frison, Commissioner

Alfonza Whitaker, Executive Director