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A resolution recognizing the anniversary of the historic 2017 Women’s March on Washington and “sister marches” held throughout the United States including Nashville, Tennessee, and advancements in women’s rights in America.
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WHEREAS, demonstrations were held throughout the world on January 21, 2017, in support of gender and pay equity; reproductive freedom; LGBTQ, immigrant, disability and civil rights; environmental justice; and access to affordable healthcare; and
WHEREAS, as many as 500,000 people attended the Women’s March in Washington D.C. and 4.6 million participated in “sister marches” across the United Sates, and it is widely believed to be the largest single-day demonstration in our nation’s history; and
WHEREAS, more than 15,000 people marched in downtown Nashville in solidarity with the 2017 Women’s March on Washington; and
WHEREAS, Middle Tennesseans of every gender, race, creed, color, ethnicity, religion and sexual orientation marched for one mile from Cumberland Park to Public Square holding signs of unity and chanting “This is what democracy looks like”; and
WHEREAS, the first Women’s March on Washington occurred on March 3, 1913, one day before the inauguration of Woodrow Wilson, where more than 5,000 women descended on Washington to fight for the vote; and
WHEREAS, six years later Congress passed the 19th Amendment, extending the right to vote to women nationwide; and
WHEREAS, key figures of women’s suffrage movement including Sojourner Truth, Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony paved the way to advance the role of women in politics; and
WHEREAS, on January 20, 2021, Senator Kamala Harris will become the first woman to serve as Vice President of the United States; and
WHEREAS, the daughter of Indian and Jamaican immigrants, she will be the first person of color in the role of vice president; and
WHEREAS, there have been significant advancements in women’s rights over the last century but there is still work to do in achieving gender equality; and
WHEREAS, the mission of the Women's Caucus of the Metro Council is to ensure that the Metro Council responds to issues that affect women, children, and families, and the members of the Caucus encourage the entire Council to recognize the importance of this event.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:
Section 1. The Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as recognizing the anniversary of the historic Women’s March and advancements in women’s rights in America and supporting continued work to achieve full gender equity.
Section 2. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.