Welcome and Presentation of Legislative Resolution

Rutherford H. Platt, Convenor and Organizer Professor of Geography Emeritus, University of Massachusetts Amherst

David Narkewicz, Mayor, City of Northampton

Videography and editing contributed by John Riley and Northampton Community Television (NCTV)

Text of the Joint Legislative Resolution

Co-Sponsored by Mass. State Senate President Stan Rosenberg and State Rep. Aaron Vega (Holyoke)

Presented by David Narkewicz, Mayor, City of Northampton at Jane Addams Forum, Edwards Church, Northampton November 11, 2017

Whereas, Jane Addams (1860-1935)––the co-founder and longtime director of Hull-House in Chicago––stimulated the spread of the urban settlement movement across the United States, including Andover House in Boston, the predecessor of United South End Settlements;

Whereas, She served as role model and mentor to generations of social reformers including Florence Kelley, Julia Lathrop, Dr. Alice Hamilton, Frances Perkins, Harold Ickes, and Eleanor Roosevelt and her moral compass and belief in democracy offer guidance and reassurance to those who today continue her struggle for peace, justice, and a caring society;

Whereas, As friend and ally of W. E. B. Du Bois, she helped to establish the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and promote the cause of civil rights and social justice for vulnerable populations and individuals;

Whereas, In recognition of her leadership in the international women’s peace movement, including her brave attempt to mediate a truce during World War One, she was the first American woman to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize (in 1931);

Whereas, a forum will be held in Northampton, Massachusetts, on November 11, 2017, which will revisit the life and legacies of Jane Addams and reflect on how her work is carried on today; therefore be it

Resolved: That November 11, 2017––the 99th anniversary of Armistice Day––is hereby designated “Jane Addams Day” in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in appreciation of a heroic American woman and her tireless advocacy for a more humane and democratic society; and be it further

Resolved: that a copy of this resolution be forwarded by the Clerks of the House of Representatives and the Senate to the City of Northampton.