Title
Proclamation declaring December 16, 2008 "Point of Pittsburgh" Day in Allegheny County.
Body
WHEREAS, The Point of Pittsburgh: Production and Struggle at the Forks of the Ohio, written by Charles McCollester and illustrated by Bill Yund, describes Pittsburgh's role in shaping both America's middle class and developing the United States into a world power; and
WHEREAS, unlike many historical depictions of Pittsburgh, The Point of Pittsburgh names not the early industry titans as the true heroes of our time, but rather the Native Americans and the blue collar workers upon whose backs the city was built; and
WHEREAS, a companion CD from singer/songwriter and social activist Mike Stout was also released along with its written counterpart, and includes songs that feature such memorable characters as abolitionist Martin Delany, boxer Billy Conn, The Cotton Mill Workers, and Monsignor Charles Owen Rice, among many others, and which concludes with the song, “Happy Birthday to Pittsburgh,” a bittersweet reminder of Pittsburgh's 250 years of history; and
WHEREAS, on November 21, 2008, nearly 40 artists, musicians, activists, political figures, environmentalists, labor leaders, corporate leaders and media watchdogs were gathered together to read passages, speak, sing and visualize episodes from book in celebration of its official release; and
WHEREAS, the event, titled “The Point of Pittsburgh-Blue Collar Black Tie Celebration,” was held at the Carnegie Lecture Hall and raised a commendable $7,000 for the Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, Allegheny County Council does hereby declare December 16, 2008 “Point of Pittsburgh Day” in Allegheny County. Furthermore, we congratulate Charles McCollester, Bill Yund and Mike Stout on the success of The Point of Pittsburgh book and companion CD and thank you for highlighting the important role that Pittsburgh has played in shaping American's