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Celebrating the life, and condemning the killing, of Marielle Franco, a community organizer, human rights activist, and city councilor from the favelas of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, who was the victim of an apparent targeted killing on March 14 at the age of 38.
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WHEREAS: Marielle Franco dedicated her life to improving the lives of poor and marginalized people, and in particular, those women of color, in her city and across Brazil; and
WHEREAS: Marielle Franco was elected to the Rio City Council in 2016 as a member of the Socialism and Liberty Party, where she served as the only black female city councilor, was a fierce advocate for residents of the favelas, and was an outspoken critic of the police violence experienced by the city’s poor, black residents; and
WHEREAS: Marielle Franco and her driver Anderson Pedro Gomes were slain in an apparent targeted killing as they left a community event titled “Young Black Women Who Are Changing Power Structure”; and
WHEREAS: Marielle Franco’s killing has inspired large protests and vigils in cities across Brazil, united under the slogan “Marielle Presente” (“Marielle is here”); and
WHEREAS: Immigrants from Brazil and their families are a fundamental part of Somerville; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT
RESOLVED: That the Somerville Board of Aldermen honors the life and work of Marielle Franco, and mourns her death, and declares “Marielle Presente”.