ADOPTED - JUNE 27, 2006

Agenda Item No. 4

Introduced by Commissioner Dale Copedge of the:

INGHAM COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

 RESOLUTION OF RECOGNITION FOR THE 2006 AFRICAN AMERICAN PARADE AND FESTIVAL

RESOLUTION #06-164

WHEREAS, the African American Parade and Family Heritage Festival has been the featured annual event for African Americans in the City of Lansing, Michigan since 1999 under the sponsorship of the Capital City African American Cultural Association, Incorporated; and

WHEREAS, the African American Parade and Family Heritage Festival is recognized as the premier annual event where thousands gather to enjoy family values, promote cultural awareness, embrace diversity, foster community development and other desired principles that bridge differences that divide communities, and impair social progress; and

WHEREAS, the African American Parade and Family Heritage Festival provides Mid-Michigan citizens educational and recreational opportunities, where they can experience African American art, culture, and history; and

WHEREAS, each year a grand marshal is appointed to govern the festivities of the day, one who’s life practices mirror the pristine principles of this event, in the theme of “Celebrating the African American Community”; and

WHEREAS, a prominent and well known educator, Barbara Roberts Mason, a person enriched with an understanding of African American culture, was selected to lead the procession of community, city, county, and state leaders and elected officials during the 2006 African American Parade; and

WHEREAS, Barbara Roberts Mason currently serves as the Chairperson of the Regional Sister Cities Commission, served 24 years on the Michigan State Board of Education, and is an advocate who educates the community about health and social issues, and inter-governmental relations; and

WHEREAS, Barbara Roberts Mason joins the ranks of other monumental community leaders who served as grand marshals for the annual parade and festival: Bobby Williams, Georgia Brown, Rudy Wilson, Dr, Calvin Anderson, Eva Evans, and Gregory Eaton.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Ingham County Board of Commissioners join the citizens of Ingham County in celebrating the 2006 African American Parade and Family Heritage Festival; honoring Grand Marshal Barbara Roberts Mason, and other community leaders.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board wishes all participants another successful event that continues to touches the lives of Ingham County residents, far and wide and extends its sincere appreciation to organizers, Grand Marshal Barbara Roberts Mason, Capital City African American Cultural Association and the participants for having a vision to improve our society.

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Dale Copedge