AWARD NAME: Durham Proclamation 2024

DATE OF RECOGNITION: April 21–27, 2024

WHO PRESENTED IT: Mayor Leonardo Williams

LOCATION: Durham, North Carolina, USA

TEXT OF THE RECOGNITION:

Proclamation

Whereas, the Support of the arts in society is one of the most vital contributions that one can make; and

Whereas, L. Ron Hubbard stated, “A culture is only as great as its dreams, and its dreams are dreamed by artists”; and

Whereas, Mr. Hubbard founded the Writers of the Future Contest in 1983 to initiate “a means for new and budding writers to have a chance for their creative efforts to be seen and acknowledged”; and

Whereas, The Illustrators of the Future Contest was created five years later to provide that same opportunity for artists; and

Whereas, During the past forty years, the Writers and Illustrators of the Future Contests have discovered and published nearly 1,000 novice authors and artists; and

Whereas, L. Ron Hubbard’s Contests—now celebrating four decades of helping new writers and artists—has further assisted thousands more in achieving their dreams; and

Whereas, The Contests and associated programs provide an enduring gift to the field of speculative fiction.

Now, Therefore, I, Leonardo Williams, Mayor of the City of Durham, North Carolina, do hereby proclaim April 21 through April 27, 2024, as

“L. Ron Hubbard’s Writers of the Future Week”

in Durham and urge all citizens to congratulate and recognize L. Ron Hubbard’s Writers and Illustrators of the Future Contests, which support and encourage writers and artists in our community to pursue their dreams to the benefit of all.

Leonardo Williams, Mayor
City of Durham