RESOLUTION NO. R- 15-199 CITY HALL: BY: May 14, 2015 COUNCILMEMBER CANTRELL SECONDED BY: WHEREAS, the institution of slavery drove the entire economy of Louisiana, the southern United States, and most of America for at least two centuries, while also contributing largely to the international economy; and WHEREAS, major contributions to social, economic, and cultural aspects of Louisiana and American life have been made by people of African descent; and WHEREAS, museums in New Orleans and throughout Louisiana have long contributed to collection, preservation, and interpretation of items of cultural, artistic, or scientific significance for the education of both the local and national population; and WHEREAS, the National Slave Ship Museum, to be located in downtown New Orleans on the Celeste Street Wharf, will recreate the saga of the African Diaspora story of the slave trade in the United States along the Mississippi River, via the Port of New Orleans, Natchez, Mississippi, and the forks in the road; and WHEREAS, the National Slave Ship Museum will reconnect African Americans to their rich ancestral history and provide a neutral ground for world cultures to examine the alchemy of socio-economic progress at the expense of human sacrifice and freedom. It will also serve as a main educational conduit for locals and tourists, both nationally and internationally. The National Slave Ship Museum’s focus is to bring the world together through dialogue, entertainment, scholarly pursuits, research, food, arts, crafts, and theatre; and WHEREAS, the National Slave Ship Museum’s impact for the community will be a world-class museum that will enhance and perpetuate New Orleans status as a major cultural hub and destination; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEW ORLEANS, that the Council fully supports and recognizes the National Slave Ship Museum, to be located at the Celeste Street Wharf in New Orleans, as a significant project which is crucial to the preservation of New Orleans’ and the world’s history. THE FOREGOING RESOLUTION WAS READ IN FULL, THE ROLL WAS CALLED ON THE ADOPTION THEREOF AND RESULTED AS FOLLOWS: YEAS: NAYS: ABSENT: AND THE RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED. 2