Covered by Documenters Karima McCree-Wilson (notes), Anna Truax (notes) and Timothy Zelina (live-tweets)
Still no ceasefire resolution
Despite seven weeks of public comments and protests in support of Palestine, Cleveland City Council closed 2023 without passing a resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. A majority of public commenters again spoke in support of Palestine at council’s last meeting of the year.
“Many do not know the basic history. Palestine–prior to 1948–was not an empty land. Today, Israel has annexed and stole almost all of the land while murdering or displacing [Palestinians],” said Jenna Muhieddine of Ward 15.
Muhieddine labeled council’s decision to condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine but not Israel’s war on Gaza as “hypocrisy.” She said council members’ own citizens have begged them to “make Cleveland safer” by passing a ceasefire resolution.
As she spoke, she gestured to photos held by audience members of “murdered and injured Gazans.”
Muhieddine told City Council that those who do not support Palestinians will not see another term in office.
Increased police at city council
One speaker observed and questioned an increased number of police at City Council meetings following weeks of protests.
“This heightened police presence occurs amidst an ongoing crisis in [the division],” said Kameron Damaska, Ward 17, citing the city’s struggles to employ and retain police officers.
Mayor Justin Bibb draws criticism
During Council President Blaine Griffin’s acknowledgements, he asked members of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity to come to the front of the room. As Mayor Justin Bibb greeted them, members of the audience started chanting, “Mayor Bibb, you can’t hide, we charge you with genocide.”
Protestors have criticized Bibb for an Oct. 7 statement expressing support for Israel. He recently made further comments condemning Hamas and calling for a “two-state solution” with Palestine and Israel.
Newly appointed
Griffin also announced the appointment of five people to the Cleveland Commission on Black Women and Girls. The appointees joining the commission are:
- Dr. Linda Bradley of the Cleveland Clinic
- Stephanie Howse-Jones, Ward 7 council member
- Anastasia Sakairoun, law student at Cleveland State University
- Dameyonna Willis, executive director at Queen IAM
- Taneisha Fair, graduate student at Cleveland State University and research associate at the Center for Community Solutions
Legislation passed
City Council also passed multiple emergency ordinances that included road repair and public improvement projects.
It also approved amendments to the revolving loan fund for home repairs for Southeast Side residents and raised the maximum age for new Cleveland police recruits to 54 from 39 years old.
Read more from Documenter Karima McCree-Wilson:
Read the live-tweet thread from Documenter Timothy Zelina:
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