RESOLUTION NO. 250976
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Sponsor: Councilmember Kevin O’Neill
RESOLUTION - Pledging appreciation for the efforts of Sonia Warshawski to enrich the lives of everyone she meets, and especially the people of Kansas City and declaring November 13, 2025, as "Big Sonia Day."
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WHEREAS, Sonia Warshawski has been, and continues to be an honored and respected citizen of the Greater Kansas City Metropolitan Area since immigrating from Poland in 1948; and
WHEREAS, Sonia Warshawski turned 100 years old on November 10, 2025; and
WHEREAS, Big Sonia, a famous award-winning documentary film, centers around Sonia Warshawski and this film takes place in Kansas City and highlights her efforts to educate the public about the Holocaust and help heal communities through her message of tolerance and #LoveOverHate. The film has received 29 distinguished awards for best documentary film; and
WHEREAS, Sonia Warshawski presented her documentary to the U.S. Congress, and was recognized for her inspiring journey and endless efforts to the community; and
WHEREAS, on Thursday, September 4, 2025, the Museum of Kansas City opened a new exhibit that features a conversational interactive experience with Big Sonia; and
WHEREAS, Sonia Warshawski has demonstrated a unique ability to deeply affect everyone she crosses paths with and has been able to build connections with aspiring teens and young adults, immigrants, those in prison and those affected by the holocaust; and
WHEREAS, Sonia Warshawski has spent countless time away from her family, friends, and her business to honor a core part of history and become a voice for tolerance and truth. For your constant efforts to make Kansas City and the world a better place, we say, thank you; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF KANSAS CITY:
That the Mayor and Council hereby acknowledge the importance of recognizing Holocaust Survivor, Sonia Warshawski, and her efforts in education about the Holocaust and declare November 13, 2025, as “'Big Sonia Day;” and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Resolution be spread upon the Minutes of the Council in testimony thereof and that a copy hereof be presented to Sonia Warshawski as a token of the appreciation of the Mayor and Council for her many years engaging in small acts of kindness that have had a BIG impact in service to our City, and of their best wishes for all the years to come.
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