Title
25-year Alex Haley Memorial Celebration - For the purpose of identifying the "25-year Alex Haley Memorial Celebration" that will be held on Monday, December 9, 2024, as a Major Special Event; and waiving charges for certain City of Annapolis costs related to city services for that event.
Body
CITY COUNCIL OF THE
City of Annapolis
Resolution 52-24
Introduced by: Alderwoman Finlayson
Co-sponsor: Mayor Buckley, Alds. Huntley, Gay, Pindell Charles
Referred to:
Finance Committee
A RESOLUTION concerning
25-year Alex Haley Memorial Celebration
FOR the purpose of identifying the "25-year Alex Haley Memorial Celebration" that will be held on Monday, December 9, 2024, as a Major Special Event; and waiving charges for certain City of Annapolis costs related to city services for that event.
WHEREAS, Section 14.18.110 of the City Code states, "the City Council may exempt certain special events from fees by resolution"; and
WHEREAS, The Kunta Kinte-Alex Haley Foundation, led by President and Founder Leonard A. Blackshear, began the process of building the Kunta Kinte-Alex Haley Memorial in 1992; and
WHEREAS, The Kunta Kinte-Alex Haley Memorial at the end of Annapolis' Ego Alley with statues of Alex Haley reading to three children was unveiled and dedicated on December 9, 1999; and
WHEREAS, The City-owned memorial is inspired by Alex Haley's 1976 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, "Roots: The Saga of an American Family," which explores the lives of Kunta Kinte, an 18th-century African, and his descendants who were captured, sold into slavery, and brought to the United States;
WHEREAS, The Kunta Kinte-Alex Haley Foundation estimates that the memorial is visited by approximately 1,000,000 people each year; and
WHEREAS, The Kunta Kinte-Alex Haley Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, tax-exempt organization dedicated to the exploration, rediscovery, and preservation of Alex Haley's symbolic journey through African American history, genealogy, and cultural pride; and
WHEREAS, The City of Annapolis recognizes that the 25-year Alex Haley Memorial Celebration contributes to the local economy and enhances the City's history and legacy; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE ANNAPOLIS CITY COUNCIL THAT:
1. The "25-Year Alex Haley Memorial Celebration," scheduled for Monday, December 9, 2024, is hereby designated a Major Special Event in recognition of its significance to our heritage and public service to our City;
2. The City of Annapolis hereby waives reimbursement for costs associated with the "25-Year Alex Haley Memorial Celebration," up to a maximum of $945, including but not limited to the costs for security, cleanup, and related services;
3. This fee waiver expresses the city's appreciation for the positive impact of the 25-Year Alex Haley Memorial Celebration on the community and its commitment to fostering a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere for residents and visitors.
AND BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED BY THE ANNAPOLIS CITY COUNCIL that this resolution shall take effect upon passage.