LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring The Reverend Emma Jordan-Simpson upon
the occasion of her graduation with a Doctor of Ministry degree from the
Drew Theological Seminary

WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body to take note of and
publicly acknowledge individuals of remarkable integrity and high moral
character whose endeavors have enhanced the quality of the community in
the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor The Reverend
Emma Jordan-Simpson upon the occasion of her graduation with a Doctor of
Ministry degree from the Drew Theological Seminary on Sunday, May 17,
2009; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Emma Jordan-Simpson leads the New York office of the
Children's Defense Fund; the Fund's Leave No Child Behind mission is to
ensure every child a healthy start, a head start, a fair start, a safe
start, and a moral start in life and successful passage to adulthood
with the help of caring families and communities; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Emma Jordan-Simpson was born the sixth of seven
children to a single mother; a beneficiary of programs such as Head
Start and free after school programs which were administered by local
churches, Emma Jordan knew early on that she wanted to live a life of
service; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Emma Jordan-Simpson preached her first sermon at the
age of 17 at the House of Prayer Episcopal Church in Newark, New Jersey;
after attending Newark public schools and graduating from the Arts High
School in 1981, she went on to attend Fisk University in Nashville,
Tennessee as a first generation college student; and
WHEREAS, While at Fisk University, Reverend Emma Jordan-Simpson toured
the United States as a member of the Fisk Jubilee Singers and graduated
in 1985 with honors with a Bachelor of Arts degree in the double major
of Religious and Philosophical Studies and Music; in addition, she grad-
uated from Union Theological Seminary in New York City with a Master of
Divinity degree in 1988; and
WHEREAS, The passions of Reverend Emma Jordan-Simpson's life are
reflected in some of her writings such as "Structural Poverty in Bedford
Stuyvesant: Church and Community Challenge", and "Loving Our Daughters";
and
WHEREAS, Prior to her work with the Children's Defense Fund, Reverend
Emma Jordan-Simpson was the Executive Director of Girls Incorporated of
New York City, the New York City affiliate of the national organization;
in addition, she was the Executive Vice President for the Bedford Stuy-
vesant Restoration Corporation, the nation's first community development
corporation; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Emma Jordan-Simpson lives out her vocation in the
community and at the Concord Baptist Church of Christ where she serves
as Associate Pastor; in addition, she is a member of the board of direc-
tors of the Weeksville Heritage Society, the Concord Christ Fund, the
Independence Community Foundation, and the Black Women for Black Girls
Giving Circle; and
WHEREAS, With her throughout have been her husband, The Reverend Dr.
Gary V. Simpson, and their three children, Candace, David, and Jordan-
Elizabeth, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of her life and
rejoice in her achievements; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Emma Jordan-Simpson has continually demonstrated an
impressive dedication, an unparalleled devotion and enthusiasm for the
benefit of her ministry and of her community; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor The Reverend Emma Jordan-Simpson upon the occasion of her gradu-
ation with a Doctor of Ministry degree from the Drew Theological Semi-
nary; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Reverend Emma Jordan-Simpson.