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Our Recent Celebration for Human Rights Day
The PWCUNC and the Human Rights Commission had an outstanding program for the 50th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on December 10. Dr. Gregory Stanton, Director of the Genocide Watch Project, was the keynote speaker. His remarkable talk on the UDHR brought together American history, local activism and the important place of the UDHR in the world into a brilliant yet brief address.
In addition, the Human Rights Comission presented awards to the
following county residents who have served as outstanding role models in the field of human rights
- Richard Bird, Chief, Gainesville Fire District
- Father Robert J. Menard, Associate Pastor, St. Francis of Assisi
- Reverend Frederick L. Ray, Pastor, Mt. Olive Baptist Church
- Dr. Michael Otaigbe, Dean, Strayer University, Woodbridge Campus
To contact any of the above mentioned individuals, contact the PWCUNC by clicking here.
County Board Proclaims UN Day
On Tuesday, October 20, the Prince William Board of County Supervisors joined hundreds of other local governing bodies in proclaiming October 24, 1998 as United Nations Day for Prince William County, with Chair Kathleen Seefeldt presenting the official proclamation to Nathan Larson, Chair of the Coalition, and Tony Fleming, State Advisor.
The measure was supported by all but two members of the Board. Supervisors Wilbourn and Rutherford attempted to get the resolution removed from the consent agenda but were out-voted by other members.
The text of the proclamation reads:
Whereas the United Nations was founded in 1945, and the anniversary of its founding is observed each year on October 24; and
Whereas the United States was one of the founding members of the United Nations, and continues to be a leader in supporting democratic values, including the rights of citizens of all countries; and
Whereas if the United Nations is to continue its important work of advancing human rights, protecting the environment, preventing and resolving conflict, and promoting humane and democratic values, it must have the support from both the United States and American citizens; and
Whereas the citizens of Prince William County are invited to participate in all activities related to United Nations Day;
Now, therefore let it be Resolved that the Prince William Board of County Supervisors does hereby officially proclaim October 24, 1998 as United Nations Day.
signed by Kathleen K. Seefeldt
Chairman
Although the original plans called for raising the United Nations flag on October 24, concern over county policy prevented that request from being reviewed by county officials in time for United Nations Day.
State Advisor Tony Fleming commented after the meeting that the Coalition's objectives at this point would be to "...continue working with other area organizations to promote awareness of the UN's accomplishments in the areas of human rights and international cooperation."
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