Detroit City Council
Testimonial Resolution
Joseph Wagner
In Memorium
WHEREAS
Joseph Wagner was a twenty-one year old civil rights organizer with BAMN (By Any Means Necessary) when he lost his life tragically and unexpectedly on June 26, 2005 and
WHEREAS
Joseph Wagner devoted the last two years of his short life to the fight for equality and integration. He organized the young people of Detroit, making hundreds of classroom presentations at Detroit Public Schools, including Malcolm X Academy and Cody, Mumford, Cass Technical and Northwestern High Schools. He fought to maintain affirmative action programs and to regain the rights of Detroit voters to elect their own school board, and
WHEREAS
Joseph Wagner made a lasting impression on the young people he encountered because of his strong and joyful dedication to civil rights, and his deeply rooted belief in their ability to make the world a better place. Joe moved people because he regarded each person he met as a distinct individual with the potential to make valuable and unique contributions to the struggle for equality, and
WHEREAS
As a result of Joe's efforts and commitment, many Detroit students became active for the first time in the civil rights movement and in moving our city and our state in a positive direction. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED
That the Detroit City Council joins Joseph Wagner's family and friends in honoring his life and memory, recognizing his contributions to our community and acknowledging his senseless death as a great loss to our city.
