HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-08-15_CC_Labor_AcknowledgementCouncil Business Meeting
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August 15, 2023
Agenda Item City Council and Other Public Meeting Labor Acknowledgement –
Social Equity and Racial Justice Advisory Committee Recommendation
From Ann Seltzer Staff Liaison to the Social Equity and Racial
Justice Committee
Contact ann.seltzer@ashland.or.us 541-552-2004
Item Type Requested by Council ☐ Update ☐ Request for Direction ☐ Presentation ☒
SUMMARY
At the June 1, 2023 of the Social Equity and Racial Justice Advisory Committee, the Committee voted to adopt the
below Labor Acknowledgement to be read prior to each meeting following the reading of the Land
Acknowledgement. In addition, the Committee voted to request that the City Council adopt this Labor
Acknowledgement, read it prior to all Council meetings and require that it be read at all City public meetings
and presentations.
SERJAC Meeting June 1, 2023 Adopted Labor Acknowledgement to be read following the Land
Acknowledgement
We also pause to recognize and acknowledge the labor upon which our country, state, and institutions
are built.
We remember that our country is built on the labor of enslaved people who were kidnapped and brought
to the U.S. from the African continent and recognize the continued contribution of their survivors. We
also acknowledge all immigrant labor, including voluntary, involuntary, trafficked, forced, and
undocumented peoples who contributed to the building of the country and continue to serve within our
labor force. We acknowledge all unpaid care-giving labor.
To the people and your descendants who contributed this immeasurable work, we acknowledge your
indelible mark on the space in which we gather today. It is our collective responsibility to critically
examine these histories, to repair harm, and to honor, protect, and sustain their contribution to our
society.
POLICIES, PLANS & GOALS SUPPORTED
The City Council established the Social Equity and Racial Justice Commission (now Advisory Committee) in June
of 2020 via Resolution 2020-15. Most recently the City Council adopted Resolution 2023-06 updating and
consolidating prior resolutions establishing City Council and Management Advisory Committees.
BACKGROUND AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
A labor acknowledgement is a statement that recognizes that much of the economic progress and
development of this country resulted from the unpaid labor and forced servitude of people of color. Labor
Acknowledgements are one way to honor and remember the violent histories and legacies of settler colonialism
and to collectively begin to acknowledge the historical labor that has allowed our society to get and be where it
is today.
Council Business Meeting
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FISCAL IMPACTS
None
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Why is it important to recognize that we honor and remember that slave labor resulted in the development of
this country?
The Social Equity and Racial Justice Committee believes it is fitting to recognize and honor the violent labor
histories of our past.
Do all City meetings of the City Council, City Commission and Council Advisory Committees currently read aloud
the Land Acknowledgement during their meetings?
An informal review of City meeting practices indicates that the Land Acknowledgement is currently read
aloud at each of the City Council’s Regular Meetings (Tuesday business meetings) and also at the
discretion of individual City Commissions and Council Advisory Committees. Those also currently reading
the Land Acknowledgement at their meetings include the Social Equity and Racial Justice Advisory
Committee, the Public Art Advisory Committee, and the Historic Advisory Committee. The Land
Acknowledgment is not currently read aloud at Council Study Sessions, or at meetings of the four
remaining Council Advisory Committees.
SUGGESTED NEXT STEPS
The Social Equity and Racial Justice Advisory Committee recommends the City Council adopt its Labor
Acknowledgement and require that it be read aloud at every City public meeting.
REFERENCES & ATTACHMENTS
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