Senate Resolution No. 3321

BY: Senator BRESLIN

HONORING Ken Screven upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of the 2020 Hero Award by
the Albany Damien Center on September 17, 2020

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
those dedicated and distinguished individuals within our midst whose
professional lives, civic endeavors and personal achievements are an
inspiration to their family, friends and community; one such individual
is Ken Screven; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Ken Screven upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the
2020 Hero Award by the Albany Damien Center; and

WHEREAS, Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Albany Damien Center will
be hosting a virtual event on Thursday, September 17, 2020, to
congratulate Ken Screven on receiving this auspicious award, and to wish
him a very Happy 70th Birthday; and

WHEREAS, The Albany Damien Center, one of the first AIDS drop-in
centers in the nation, began in 1988 and was incorporated in 1990 as a
Ministry of the Capital District Episcopal Churches and their friends in
response to the 1988 Episcopal Church's call to meet the crisis of the
AIDS Epidemic; and

WHEREAS, Ken Screven, retired CBS6 News Capital Bureau Chief and
first African American male on local TV news, is receiving the 2020 Hero
Award for his never-ending commitment to educating and advocating for
all people; and

WHEREAS, During his 38-year broadcasting career, Ken Screven brought
life and emotional connection to the stories he told and always
represented the issues, and people impacted by them, in an honest and
moving way; and

WHEREAS, In retirement, through his popular Albany Times Union blog,
active social media following and personal appearances, Ken Screven uses
his voice to speak intelligently to the issues impacting the people in
his community and to advocate for social change; and

WHEREAS, In addition to receiving the 2020 Hero Award, Ken Screven
was the recipient of the 2009 Citizen Action Jim Perry Progressive
Leadership Award, and was a 2018 honoree of the Community Advocate Award
by In Our Own Voices, Inc.; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and
sustained commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their
profession, certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all
the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Ken Screven upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of
the 2020 Hero Award by the Albany Damien Center; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Ken Scriven.