Title
Dept/ Agency: Offices of Municipal Council/City Clerk
Action: ( ) Ratifying (X) Authorizing ( ) Amending
Type of Service: Declaring Intent
Purpose: Declaring May 2026 as “Lupus Awareness Month”
Additional Information:
Sponsor: Council Member-at-Large, Louise Scott-Rountree
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WHEREAS, originally, from 1977, Lupus Awareness Month was observed as National Lupus Awareness Week in September, and then it was moved to October. It was only in 2009, owing to the efforts of the Lupus Foundation of America, that it was shifted to May as Lupus Awareness Month, and it has officially been observed throughout this month since then; and
WHEREAS, Lupus Awareness Month has become increasingly important for lupus advocates over the years as a lot of people do not know about the disease or how to manage it; and
WHEREAS, the color purple has become associated with lupus awareness because purple is a combination of the passion of the color red and the calmness of the color blue, the color purple is thought to pacify the mind and nerves, uplift the spirit, and provide the courage to fight; and
WHEREAS, the movement to create awareness about this autoimmune disease sees several events taking place every year in May across the country. These are aimed at raising funds for research initiatives and to financially support affected families.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MUNICIPAL COUNCIL OF THE City of NEWARK, NEW JERSEY, THAT:
1. The Municipal Council proclaims May 2026 “Lupus Awareness Month” throughout the City of Newark, New Jersey.
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2. A copy of this Resolution shall be filed with the Office of the City Clerk.