WHEREAS, ODUNDE, Inc. is an annual African-American holiday festival that celebrates the coming of another year and the opportunity for renewal for African-Americans; and
WHEREAS, The festival began in 1975, modeled after the experiences of Ms. Lois A. Fernandez when she attended the annual African festival of Oshun held in Osogbo, Nigeria; and
WHEREAS, It is an occasion marked by joy and hope, a joy which is highlighted by a colorful procession to the Schuylkill River where offerings of fruit and flowers are made to Oshun, the Yoruba Goddess of Love and Life-Sustaining Rivers; and
WHEREAS, The scope and magnitude of the festival has steadily increased. Attendance at the festival has surpassed 300,000, it has earned international recognition and has attracted acclaimed performers of the African Diaspora; and
WHEREAS, ODUNDE, Inc. has expanded from a one day event to a year round organization as ODUNDE, Inc. now serves school age children, as well as others, with cultural programs and activities; and
WHEREAS, Throughout its thirty year history ODUNDE, Inc. has been a model for promoting joy, togetherness and understanding to all Philadelphians; now therefore
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby honor ODUNDE, Inc. its Founder and Board President, Lois Fernandez, on the occasion of its Thirtieth Anniversary.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Lois Fernandez, Founder and Board President of ODUNDE, Inc. as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.
End