Mesquite Issues Two Proclamations

By VERNON ROBISON

The Progress

Two City Proclamations were announced at a Mesquite City Council meeting held on Tuesday evening, March 14. Because Mayor Al Litman was not in attendance at the meeting, the two proclamations were read into the record by Mayor Pro Tem Wes Boger.

The first proclamation was to officially designate the month of March as Women’s History Month in the city of Mesquite.
“Women have inspired us as scientists, teachers, leaders, artists and so much more,” Boger said, reading the proclamation. “Without women, we would sorely lack the vision and contributions which have benefited and will continue to benefit our nation.”

The proclamation specifically recognized twelve outstanding women from around the world and throughout history. These included Olympic medalist Alex Morgan, activist and National Park Ranger Betty Reid Soskin, nuclear physicist Chien-Shuing Wu, Special Olympics founder Eunice Kennedy Shriver, environmental activist Greta Thunberg, Underground Railroad conductor Harriet Tubman, WWII Nazi Resistance spy Josephine Baker, global advocate for women Melinda Gates, first African American First Lady Michelle Obama, first female king of Otuam Ghana Peggieline Bartels, purple heart recipient and double amputee U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth and Cherokee Nation Chief Wilma Mankiller.

Boger presented the proclamation to Jean Watkins, founder of the Mesquite Womens History and Culture Center (MWCC).

In a brief statement, Watkins said that the twelve women mentioned in the proclamation were featured in a special display being exhibited at the Mesquite Library branch from now through April 16.
“If you haven’t been to the library recently, please stop by and see this display highlighting these most interesting women,” Watkins said.

The second proclamation was to declare the week of Sept. 17-23, 2023 as U.S. Constitution Week.
“The United States Constitution stands as a testament to the tenacity of Americans throughout history to maintain their liberties and freedoms and to ensure those unalienable rights to every American,” Boger read from the proclamation.

Boger presented the proclamation to a small delegation from the Mesquite Chapter of the Daughter of the American Revolution (DAR).

Local DAR Chaplain Ruth Dickie explained that this proclamation is being made several months early because it gives a chance for DAR members to visit local schools and give presentations about the history and importance of the U.S. Constitution. Children can then enter an array of contests put on by the national DAR organization.

“Our hope is to get into the school and promote these wonderful contests and awards that our society provides for young students,” Dickie said.

Dickie added that a Constitution kick-off event called Bells Across America would be held in September this year. The public will be invited. More information will be available later on, she said.