Racial Equality Day is a national observance promoted by the National League of Cities as it carries out the “Undoing Racism” initiative started by Mayor Knight last year when he served as President of the National League of Cities. As many as 400 cities across America are expected to also declare Wednesday, September 19 as Racial Equality Day.

In declaring the proclamation, Mayor Knight urged all Wichita businesses, organizations and citizens to unite in the “Building Bridges: A Community Process to Heal Racism” program to eliminate racism.

“I urge all citizens to join together and speak with one voice against racism and hatred,” declared Mayor Knight, “the City of Wichita declares racism unjust and advocates equal rights for all people.”

A copy of the Racial Equality Day proclamation is attached.

RESOLUTION
Race Equality Day
City of Wichita

WHEREAS, the City of Wichita is dedicated to promoting racial equality and justice as a fundamental aspect of a healthy community; and

WHEREAS, the City of Wichita acknowledges and appreciates its own mayor, Bob Knight, who as President of the National League of Cities 1999/2000, launched a national initiative to eliminate racism; and

WHEREAS, the National League of Cities continues the legacy by leading a national campaign to end racism and promote racial equality; and

WHEREAS, the City of Wichita has encouraged local businesses, organizations and citizens across our city to unite in the “Building Bridges: A Community Process to Heal Racism” program to eliminate racism; and

WHEREAS, by Act of Congress of the United States, December 6, 1865, the 13th Amendment of the Constitution of the United States was adopted abolishing slavery; and

WHEREAS, by Act of Congress of the United States, July 9, 1868, the 14th Amendment of the Constitution of the United States was adopted giving all persons born or naturalized in the United States the right to due process and equal protection under the law; and

WHEREAS, by Act of the Congress of the United States, July 2, 1964, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was adopted banning discrimination because of a person’s race, color, sex, religion or national origin; and

WHEREAS, by this resolution of the Wichita City Council, we declare racism unjust and advocate equal rights for all people.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Mayor and City Council of Wichita, hereby declares September 19, 2001 as Race Equality Day in Wichita and urge all citizens to join together and speak with one voice against racism and hatred.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Mayor and City Council of Wichita reaffirms its commitment to bring about racial equality and justice in the City and to work with the National League of Cities to sustain this commitment throughout the nation.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Mayor and City Council of Wichita will continue to support:

• the participation of city employees in organized dialogue groups and study circles with the goal of ending racism; and
• the goals and objectives of the “Building Bridges: A Community Process to Heal Racism” initiative.

Mayor Bob Knight,
City Of Wichita, Kansas