The Council of the City of New York is pleased to join the fine citizens of our great City, State and nation in commemorating New York City’s 350th Anniversary, and to proudly declare the year 2003 as New York City’s Birthday; and

WHEREAS: The City of New York, first known as New Amsterdam, has its very roots in its charter of self government, established on February 2nd, 1653, which enumerated the rights and responsibilities of the citizens of this city and became our foundation for diversity and inclusion, becoming the first such charter in the American colonies, which would later become the United States of America; and

WHEREAS: This charter of self government also created our City’s first government, then known as the Council, today the City Council, the first municipal government body in American history, today being the longest continuous serving local municipal government in America; and

WHEREAS: As its first notable act, on March 13, 1653, the Council ordered a wall to be built to protect the interests of our young city at its northern extremity, creating what would become Wall Street, a street rich in history, where George Washington was inaugurated as our first President; where the first Capitol of our United States stood and where our precious Bill of Rights was drafted and ratified; and

WHEREAS: One year after our indomitable, luminous spirit has emerged from the ruins of the treacherous attacks and monumental tragedy of September 11th, 2001, we are determined to rebuild and to continue growing and evolving; now, more than ever, is a pivotal time for the entire world to learn of our rich 350 year history; and

WHEREAS: Among the individuals and institutions who have helped bring about an awareness of this important milestone in our City’s history, none have been more essential than “NYC 350,” and Mr. Roland Rogers, citizen of the great neighborhood of Harlem and tremendous civic benefactor, whose efforts over the years have been worthy of the highest praise and admiration; now, therefore

BE IT KNOWN: That the Council of the City of New York most proudly proclaims all of 2003 as

NEW YORK CITY’S 350th ANNIVERSARY

and declares February 2nd, 2003 to be a very special day of celebration throughout our great City.

Signed this 4th day of December in the year Two Thousand and Two.

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GIFFORD MILLER, Speaker For the Entire Council		BILL PERKINS Council Member, 9th District
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ROBERT JACKSON Council Member, 7th District