HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 7734
City of Palo Alto (ID # 7734)
City Council Staff Report
Report Type: Special Orders of the Day Meeting Date: 2/13/2017
City of Palo Alto Page 1
Summary Title: Proclamation Honoring Clarence B. Jones
Title: Proclamation of the Council of the City of Palo Alto Honoring Clarence
B. Jones
From: City Manager
Lead Department: City Clerk
Attachments:
Attachment A: Proclamation Honoring Clarence B. Jones
Proclamation
Honoring Clarence B. Jones
WHEREAS, Palo Alto is proud to honor as one of our most esteemed residents, Clarence B. Jones, veteran
of the historic Civil Rights Movement, author, accomplished speaker, scholar, business leader, and close
associate of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; and
WHEREAS, Clarence B. Jones served as political advisor, personal attorney and speech writer for Dr.
Martin Luther King, Jr., beginning in 1961, participated in the writing of Dr. King’s historic 1963 “I Have a
Dream” speech, and helped to negotiate the end of the Attica Prison inmate rebellion in New York in 1971; and
WHEREAS, Clarence B. Jones is the author of two books, “What Would Martin Say?” and “Behind the
Dream: The Making of the Speech that Transformed a Nation,” and continues to be a much requested speaker
and featured legacy documentary subject; and
WHEREAS, Clarence B. Jones has been honored with numerous awards and recognitions and honorary
degrees by universities, civic, legal and faith organizations, business associations, and international venues; and
WHEREAS, Clarence B. Jones is today a Scholar in Residence at the Stanford Martin Luther King, Jr.
Research and Education Institute, and a Diversity Visiting Professor at the University of San Francisco; and
WHEREAS, Clarence B. Jones generously contributes to our local community by participating in
educational and civil rights programs, including Youth Community Service students and the 2013 “Let Freedom
Ring” 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington here in Palo Alto; and
WHEREAS, Clarence B. Jones continues to challenge us here in Silicon Valley to address issues of equity in
employment, education, and housing.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, H. Gregory Scharff, Mayor of the City of Palo Alto, on behalf of the City
Council, do hereby recognize Clarence B. Jones as a community hero and extend appreciation for his years of
valuable contributions and service.
Presented: February 13, 2017
______________________________
H. Gregory Scharff
Mayor