Whereas, several families experienced senseless tragedies during the summer of 1906 as the Lyerly family was murdered in their home and then on August 6, 1906 Nease Gillespie, John Gillespie and Jack Dillingham were taken from a jail cell by an angry mob and tortured and lynched without having the opportunity for a fair trial or justice; and

Whereas, this incident is a dark chapter for Salisbury’s history, but one that must be acknowledged and remembered through public discourse in order for our community to begin reconciliation and healing; and

Whereas, the community has come together to form an understanding of the injustices suffered by African-American men, women and children and to acknowledge the pain endured by their families and loved ones; and

Whereas, we realize that to achieve long-term success we must find a way to build strength and community, rather than resentment, in our differences; and

Whereas, in the Bible 1 John 3:18 reminds us, “Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth,” and the city of Salisbury is committed to ongoing action to ensure all citizens feel valued and respected.

Now, therefore, I, Karen K. Alexander, on behalf of the city of Salisbury, do hereby proclaim August 6, 2017 as a day to commit our continued commitment to

TRUTH, HEALING AND RECONCILIATION

in Salisbury, North Carolina and encourage citizens to acknowledge the injustices suffered by African Americans in our community and to commit to action that improves the social, economic, health and educational opportunities for all citizens of Salisbury.

This 6th day of August 2017

— Mayor Karen K. Alexander