HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 02-03-2009 - 3b ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: February 3, 2009
Action Agenda
Item No. 3 - b
SUBJECT: Resolution Recognizing Achievements of Mrs. Rebecca Clark
DEPARTMENT: Human Rights & Relations PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N) No
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Proposed BOCC Resolution
Shoshannah Smith, 960-3877
PURPOSE: To recognize the achievements of lifelong human rights activist and Orange
County resident Mrs. Rebecca Clark who passed away on January 3, 2009.
BACKGROUND: Mrs. Rebecca Clark was a hero and personal mentor to some Human
Relations Commission (HRC) members as well as many others throughout the Orange County
community. At its January 12, 2009 meeting the HRC recognized Mrs. Clark's accomplishments
by approving a resolution noting Mrs. Clark's human rights work in voting rights, community
organizing and social justice. After approving the resolution, the HRC voted to ask the County
Commissioners to also approve a resolution recognizing Mrs. Clark's achievements.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: None
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends the Board approve the resolution
honoring the life and accomplishments of Mrs. Rebecca Clark and authorize the Chair to sign
the resolution.
2
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
RESOLUTION OF RECOGNITION AND APPRECIATION
For
Rebecca Clark
WHEREAS, Rebecca Clark worked tirelessly to promote and provide social
justice in the Orange County Community; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Clark ensured the democratic process by registering
countless individuals to vote; helping the house-bound and disabled to
cast ballots; and overseeing the voter rolls at the Lincoln Precinct for
several decades; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Clark was a pioneer who confronted racist hiring practices
and broke down racial barriers in the workplace and advocated for
workers' rights for working class people throughout our community
and particularly on the UNC campus; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Clark instilled in the young people around her a passion for
social justice, strong faith and community action; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Clark was integral in uniting the Chapel Hill community
behind Howard Lee and getting out the vote to elect him the first
African-American mayor of a predominantly white Southern town; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Clark utilized the political system and community action to
truly improve the lives of the disenfranchised, the discriminated
against and the downtrodden; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Clark served as a beacon and touchstone for so many who
today provide valued community and public service as elected officials,
advocates and activists working for social justice;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Orange County Board of
Commissioners hereby recognize Rebecca Clark and express great
appreciation to Mrs. Clark for the invaluable contributions she made during
her long life.
THIS THE 3rd DAY OF FEBRUARY 2009.
VALERIE FOUSHEE, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
RESOLUTION OF RECOGNITION AND APPRECIATION
For
Rebecca Clark
WHEREAS, Rebecca Clark worked tirelessly to promote and provide social
justice in the Orange County Community; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Clark ensured the democratic process by registering
countless individuals to vote; helping the house-bound and disabled to
cast ballots; and overseeing the voter rolls at the Lincoln Precinct for
several decades; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Clark was a pioneer who confronted racist hiring practices
and broke down racial barriers in the workplace and advocated for
workers' rights for working class people throughout our community
and particularly on the UNC campus; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Clark instilled in the young people around her a passion for
social justice, strong faith and community action; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Clark was integral in uniting the Chapel Hill community
behind Howard Lee and getting out the vote to elect him the first
African-American mayor of a predominantly white Southern town; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Clark utilized the political system and community action to
truly improve the lives of the disenfranchised, the discriminated
against and the downtrodden; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Clark served as a beacon and touchstone for so many who
today provide valued community and public service as elected officials,
advocates and activists working for social justice;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Orange County Board of
Commissioners hereby recognize Rebecca Clark and express great
appreciation to Mrs. Clark for the invaluable contributions she made during
her long life.
THIS THE 3rd DAY OF FEBRUARY 2009. //
VALERIE FOUSHEE, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners