WHEREAS, The Millions More Movement wished to commemorate the Million Man March of 1995 which was a peaceful gathering of primarily African-American men in Washington D.C., organized to promote principles of spiritual growth, unity and personal accountability among its participants, and inspire them to take these ideals back to their communities; and
WHEREAS, Over the years since then, unsatisfactory progress in achieving goals of the Million Man March, persistent historical barriers halting the advancement of social equality, and recent occurrences exposing severe economic and racial disparities in America, motivated civic and cultural activists to plan and organize the Millions More Movement; and
WHEREAS, It was the intent of Millions More Movement organizers to put forth an issues based agenda designed to address numerous concerns in American communities, to assemble a gathering with racial, gender and ecumenical diversity, and to create a comprehensive program representative of all social sectors that would also serve as a mobilization plan for positive social change; and
WHEREAS, While images and damages of Hurricane Katrina brought great attention to injustices suffered by people of color and/or in poverty, participants at the Millions More Movement event put much needed focus on other crucial issues like education, health and health care, housing, economic and community development, gun violence, cultural affairs, world peace, unity, reparations and the role of government; and
WHEREAS, Organizers of the Millions More Movement desired and achieved strong, vigorous participation of individuals and organizations representing women and youth, in addition to familiar personalities of national and regional prominence; and
WHEREAS, Though organizing principles and goals of the Million Man March were originally intended for the personal and communal advancement of mainly African-American men, their families and communities, the Millions More Movement strives to capture that energy for a national mission to bring about positive social and economic change to benefit and improve quality of life for every American; now therefore
RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby recognizes the members of the Philadelphia Local Organizing Committee (PLOC) for their leadership in coordinating participation and support for the Millions More Movement event of October 2005 and commending their efforts to bring attention and awareness to important issues addressed on that occasion; and
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Michael Coard, chair of the Philadelphia Local Organizing Committee, and the members of PLOC as a representation of the true and sincere sentiments of this legislative body.
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