Honoring and Recognizing the work of the women of the Philadelphia delegation of the first historical International Black Women's Forum on Education, Diversity and Identity.

WHEREAS, The First International Black Women's Forum on Education, Diversity and Identity took place from November 25 - November 27, 2010 in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil; and

WHEREAS, The Forum was a collaboration between the Mayor's Commission on African and Caribbean Immigrant Affairs, the Office of Councilwoman Jannie L. Blackwell, the Office of the Mayor of Salvador with the Municipal Secretary of Education, Culture, Sports and Leisure in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, and Osun State University in Osun State, Nigeria; and

WHEREAS, The Forum focused on issues of race and gender and included themes such as diversity, age, sexuality, religion, territoriality, ancestry, and health in the context of a national and international dialogue on education; and

WHEREAS, The Forum was a continuation of our City's relationship with Salvador, which was established over 40 years ago; and

WHEREAS, March is nationally recognized as Women's History Month, the week of March 8 as Women's History Week and March 8 as International Women's Day; and

WHEREAS, Suzana Silva from the Brazilian Cultural Center in Philadelphia and member of the Mayor's Commission on African and Caribbean Immigrant Affairs served as the primary organizer from Philadelphia for the Forum; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Joi Spraggins, Co-Chair of the Women's Leadership Committee for the Mayor's Commission on African and Caribbean Immigrant Affairs and Founder of Legacy Pathways led a workshop on “Sister Girls Legacy Leadership: Building International Economic and Business Growth Strategies” ; and

WHEREAS, Barbara Simmons, J.D., Dean, Graduate Studies, Continuing Education and Community Relations for Cheyney University Center City Campus and member of the Mayor's Commission on African and Caribbean Immigrant Affairs led a workshop on “Women's Rights as Human Rights and the Role of Law” ; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Judith Ray, PhD, also from Cheyney University discussed “Technology's Impact on Education: Past, Present, and Future” and “Do Institutional Restraints on Women in Academic Leadership Positions Exist?”; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Barbara Wallace, PhD, from Columbia University discussed “The Goals for Transforming Education and Supporting Identity Development: A Role for Cultural Practices and Traditions”; and

WHEREAS, Ms. Nana Korantemaa Ayeboafo, Founder and Chief Creative Officer of The StarSpirit International, Inc of Philadelphia, PA and Larteh, Ghana, Africa has made a lifetime commitment to encouraging international exchanges between African Americans and Africans in Africa to promote education about African culture, as well as with Africans across the Diaspora and other members of the American and international community; and

WHEREAS, All of the above mentioned women understand and are committed to the liberation and upward mobility for women through education and international dialogue; and

WHEREAS, As a result of the Forum, the City of Philadelphia and the City of Salvador, Bahia, Brazil signed a Memorandum of Understanding in agreement to promote, strengthen and expand educational, cultural, trade, and economic cooperation; and

WHEREAS, As a result of the Forum, the Cities of Philadelphia and Salvador are currently in the planning stages for an educational and cultural student exchange program; and now therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Philadelphia City Council hereby Honors and Recognizes the work of the women of the Philadelphia delegation of the first historical International Black Women's Forum on Education, Diversity and Identity; and

FURTHER RESOLVED,

That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented as a Sincere Expression of City Council's Appreciation and Recognition.

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