LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the Third Annual Toast to Bedford-
Stuyvesant Ceremony

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend events which symbolize the social and cultural development of
this great State and embody the spirit of the principles upon which this
Nation was founded; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the Third Annual Toast to Bedford-Stuyvesant Ceremony on Thursday,
May 21, 2009, in Brooklyn, New York; and
WHEREAS, The theme for this spectacular event is "Celebrating A New
Bid-Ginning!"; it is sponsored by the Fulton-Nostrand United Merchants
Association, the Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation, Carver
Federal Savings Bank, and Nostrand Wines and Liquors; and
WHEREAS, The Fulton-Nostrand United Merchants Association represents
the interests of Bedford Stuyvesant's business community; it advocates
for the long-term physical and economic improvement of the business
district and in the short-term, addresses concerns and issues that
impact the day-to-day operation of the business community; and
WHEREAS, Since its inception in 1967, Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration
Corporation provides a full spectrum of programs that promote self-suf-
ficiency and inspire family and youth to succeed in work, at school, and
at home; from increasing access to jobs that pay living wages to
preserving the rich cultural legacy that Bedford Stuyvesant prides
itself on, Restoration is a catalyst for tangible change in Central
Brooklyn; as the nation's oldest community development corporation,
Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation is a pioneer in its field,
facilitating neighborhood improvement while serving as a model for
distressed communities nationwide; and
WHEREAS, Carver Federal Savings Bank was founded in 1948 to serve
African-American communities whose residents, businesses and insti-
tutions had limited access to mainstream financial services; today, it
is the largest African-American operated bank in the United States, and
has ten full-service branches in the boroughs of Brooklyn, Queens, and
Manhattan; it has been in operation in Bedford Stuyvesant since 1961;
and
WHEREAS, Nostrand Wines and Liquors is Central Brooklyn's premiere
wine and beverage store, carrying hundreds of varieties of wine in stock
at the most competitive prices; it is a full member of the Fulton-Nost-
rand United Merchants Association; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when organiza-
tions of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, 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
commemorate the Third Annual Toast to Bedford-Stuyvesant Ceremony; and
be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the aforementioned organizations.