5/15/13

Pittsburgh City Council

Proclamation

WHEREAS, Persad Center, founded in 1972, is the nation’s second oldest licensed counseling center specifically created to serve gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) community; and

WHEREAS, Persad’s services include counseling and therapeutic services, HIV/AIDS prevention and well being services for the community, advocacy and support for individuals and groups affected by discrimination, and training, education and research to increase understanding; and

WHEREAS, Persad offers counseling in a sensitive, non-judgmental and culturally specific manner, supporting LGBT and HIV-positive individuals, couples and families who are seeking to enjoy healthy and fulfilling lives; and

WHEREAS, Persad also provides a variety of programs to support LGBT youth, providing safe spaces where youth can be themselves and working to protect youth from discrimination and abuse; and

WHEREAS, Persad’s signature annual fundraiser, Art for Change will be held on Monday, May 13 at the August Wilson Center for African American Culture and includes live and silent auctions featuring over 200 pieces of art from local, national and international artists.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby recognize Persad Center for providing support and hope for every member of our community, regardless of sexual orientation; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare May 13, 2013 to be “Persad Center Day” in the City of Pittsburgh.

Sponsored by Councilman William Peduto

Co-sponsored by Council President Darlene M. Harris and Councilmembers Theresa Kail-Smith, Natalia Rudiak, Bruce A. Krause, Corey O’Connor, R. Daniel Lavelle, Patrick Dowd, and Rev. Ricky V. Burgess

Presented In Council, May 7, 2013