LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending the Brooklyn Branch of the National
Association for the Advancement of Colored People upon the occasion of
hosting its Freedom Fund Reception and Awards Ceremony on April 16, 2009

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and pay
tribute to those enduring organizations which devote their purposeful
energies to improving the quality and dignity of life of those they
serve, to preserving their heritage, and to fostering pride among them;
and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
the Brooklyn Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of
Colored People upon the occasion of hosting its Freedom Fund Reception
and Awards Ceremony at the Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge on April 16,
2009; and
WHEREAS, Established in 1920, the Brooklyn Branch of the National
Association for the Advancement of Colored People has gained a reputa-
tion over the years as one of the largest, most effective and influen-
tial branches of the organization; and
WHEREAS, At its peak, the Brooklyn Branch of the National Association
for the Advancement of Colored People had a membership of some 10,000
and is poised to reclaim its rich history by restructuring; and
WHEREAS, Since being reorganized in 2005, the Brooklyn Branch of the
National Association for the Advancement of Colored People has emerged
with a young and committed leadership that is determined to build on the
rich legacy of activism and defending the social, economic, political
and legal rights of people of color from the branch; and
WHEREAS, At its Freedom Fund Reception and Awards Ceremony, the Brook-
lyn Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored
People will recognize Marilyn Gelber, the Executive Director of the
Independence Community Foundation, with the Freedom Star Award; Thomas
Aycott and Ollie Dent, Community Activists, with the Lucille Rose Living
Legend Award; The Honorable Theodore J. Jones, Associate Judge for the
New York State Court of Appeals, with the Legal Leadership Award; IKEA,
with the Leadership in Commerce and Industry Award; the Reverend Dr.
Daran Mitchell, the Pastor of First AME Zion Church, with the Religious
Service Award; Dr. Lester Young, a member of the New York State Board of
Regents, with the Valiant Service Award; Monique Greenwood, the owner of
Akwaaba Inns and an author, with the Entrepreneurship Award; and Rachel
P. Hinds of Washington Irving High School and Darien Diog-Acuna of
Bedford Academy with the Young Leader Award; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals and organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are
brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by
all the citizens of the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the Brooklyn Branch of the National Association for the Advance-
ment of Colored People upon the occasion of hosting its Freedom Fund
Reception and Awards Ceremony on April 16, 2009; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Brooklyn Branch of the National Association for the
Advancement of Colored People.