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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
RECOGNIZING DAISAKU IKEDA DAY
WHEREAS, October 9, 2017, marked the 57th anniversary of Soka Gakkai International President Daisaku Ikeda’s first visit to Cook County where he, after witnessing an act of racial injustice, re-determined at the age of 32 to devote his entire life to fighting for the recognition of the dignity, respect and equality of all people; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Ikeda’s experience in Cook County provided the foundation for pioneering international, citizen-diplomacy in order to promote justice, harmony and cross-cultural exchanges and dialogues with ordinary citizens, scholars, academicians, authors, artists, policymakers, and thought-leaders; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Ikeda’s efforts to share through these dialogues the philosophy of value creation-the limitless potential of the human spirit to find meaning in difficulty and transform suffering into growth-has resulted in the bestowal of more than 300 honorary doctorates and professorships from institutions of higher learning worldwide, including DePaul University, and the awarding of more than 700 honorary citizenships from communities spanning the globe; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Ikeda has bolstered and expanded his efforts to build a culture of peace by writing more than 150 books, which have been translated in scores of languages; by establishing the Soka education system, including Soka University of America, and by establishing cultural and peace institutions in the United States, Latin America, Europe, and Japan;
WHEREAS, since 1983, Dr. Ikeda has annually submitted Peace Proposals to the United Nations that promote the embracing and appreciation of cultural differences; advocate for the protection of women and children against the ravages of war; reject the use of nuclear armaments under any circumstances, and promote dialogue as the preferred means for resolving conflicts; and
WHEREAS, 1,200 youth from more than 20 states, who are inspired by Dr. Ikeda to stand up for the equality, dignity and respect of all people, gathered on October 15, 2017, at Hyatt McCormick Place, to mark the 10th anniversary of SGI-USA’s establishment of Central Territory at the “Heartland of America: Roaring Lions of Justice and Victory” gathering; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Ikeda’s efforts have resulted in the establishment of a multicultural, global peace movement comprised of more than 12 million people in 192 countries and territories, including 10,000 members of Cook County; and
WHEREAS, these youth, based on Dr. Ikeda’s encouragement that “one ripple can produce countless other” ripples for peace and justice, are vowing to support and encourage other youth, and help them awaken to their limitless potential to live with undefeatable conviction, boundless courage, profound gratitude and tremendous respect for other human beings;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that I, Toni Preckwinkle, as President of the Cook County Board of Commissioners, and on behalf of the residents of Cook County, hereby recognize the invaluable contributions Daisaku Ikeda has made to foster peace worldwide and to inspire the residents of Cook County,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that I, Toni Preckwinkle, President, hereby proclaim October 9, 2017 as Daisaku Ikeda Day.end