HR312: Commending Unity in the Community.


HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 312
Commending Unity in the Community.

 

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 14, 2023

 

WHEREAS, Unity in the Community, an organization dedicated to cultivating an appreciation for and understanding of cultural heritage and diversity, and bringing an end to hate crimes and intolerance, has greatly served the communities of Prince William County, Manassas, and Manassas Park for many years; and

WHEREAS, Unity in the Community was founded in 1995 when Illana Naylor and the Manassas Church of the Brethren brought local interfaith clergy and residents of the Greater Prince William Area together to honor the joy and richness of diversity in the community and to confront intolerance; and

WHEREAS, after the Prince William County Board of Supervisors declared Prince William County a hate-free and bigot-free zone, Illana Naylor and Debbie Rubenstein of Congregation Ner Shalom in Prince William County co-chaired a Unity in the Community event on March 16, 1996, entitled “Celebrating Diversity,” which brought together more than 600 people to honor this important cause; and

WHEREAS, since its earliest events, Unity in the Community has continued to advocate for laws related to hate crimes, to educate the community about cultural diversity and basic human rights, and to celebrate the differences that contribute to the richness and vibrancy of the Greater Prince William Area community; and

WHEREAS, Unity in the Community has pursued various endeavors toward the realization of its goals, including annual International Day of Prayer for Peace events, educational forums and film screenings, collaborations with local service groups and community task forces, and numerous other initiatives of advocacy and support designed to care for and protect vulnerable and underrepresented populations in the community; and

WHEREAS, in recognition of its impact, Unity in the Community received the Prince William County Human Rights Award in 2003, along with six of its members who have also received this distinguished honor in previous and subsequent years; and

WHEREAS, through major events, public forums, and advocacy, Unity in the Community members continue to learn about and appreciate the diverse cultural and religious expressions found in their shared neighborhoods; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That Unity in the Community hereby be commended for its efforts to promote cross-cultural and interfaith tolerance and understanding in the communities of Prince William County, Manassas, and Manassas Park; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Unity in the Community as an expression of the House of Delegates’ admiration for the organization’s contributions to the Commonwealth.

HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 312

Offered February 13, 2023
Commending Unity in the Community.
Patron-- Maldonado

WHEREAS, Unity in the Community, an organization dedicated to cultivating an appreciation for and understanding of cultural heritage and diversity, and bringing an end to hate crimes and intolerance, has greatly served the communities of Prince William County, Manassas, and Manassas Park for many years; and

WHEREAS, Unity in the Community was founded in 1995 when Illana Naylor and the Manassas Church of the Brethren brought local interfaith clergy and residents of the Greater Prince William Area together to honor the joy and richness of diversity in the community and to confront intolerance; and

WHEREAS, after the Prince William County Board of Supervisors declared Prince William County a hate-free and bigot-free zone, Illana Naylor and Debbie Rubenstein of Congregation Ner Shalom in Prince William County co-chaired a Unity in the Community event on March 16, 1996, entitled “Celebrating Diversity,” which brought together more than 600 people to honor this important cause; and

WHEREAS, since its earliest events, Unity in the Community has continued to advocate for laws related to hate crimes, to educate the community about cultural diversity and basic human rights, and to celebrate the differences that contribute to the richness and vibrancy of the Greater Prince William Area community; and

WHEREAS, Unity in the Community has pursued various endeavors toward the realization of its goals, including annual International Day of Prayer for Peace events, educational forums and film screenings, collaborations with local service groups and community task forces, and numerous other initiatives of advocacy and support designed to care for and protect vulnerable and underrepresented populations in the community; and

WHEREAS, in recognition of its impact, Unity in the Community received the Prince William County Human Rights Award in 2003, along with six of its members who have also received this distinguished honor in previous and subsequent years; and

WHEREAS, through major events, public forums, and advocacy, Unity in the Community members continue to learn about and appreciate the diverse cultural and religious expressions found in their shared neighborhoods; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That Unity in the Community hereby be commended for its efforts to promote cross-cultural and interfaith tolerance and understanding in the communities of Prince William County, Manassas, and Manassas Park; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Unity in the Community as an expression of the House of Delegates’ admiration for the organization’s contributions to the Commonwealth.