LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 15th Annual Day of Remembrance
for Nicholas Naquan Heyward, Jr.

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commemorate certain
events which demonstrate the vitality of a community, even in the face
of adversity, and give positive definition to that community and the
State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body commemorates the 15th Annual
Day of Remembrance for Nicholas Naquan Heyward, Jr. to be celebrated on
Saturday, August 22, 2009, at Nicholas Naquan Heyward, Jr. Park, Brook-
lyn, New York; and
WHEREAS, In addition, a candlelit vigil will be held on Sunday,
September 27, 2009, at the mural of Nicholas, Jr. on the corner of
Baltic Street and Hoyt Street, Brooklyn, New York; the vigil will mark
the date young Nicholas, Jr. lost his life; and
WHEREAS, Nicholas Naquan Heyward, Jr.'s loving parents, Angela and
Nicholas Heyward, Sr., created A Day of Remembrance to celebrate the
life and honor the spirit of their 13-year-old son who, while playing
with a toy weapon, was mistakenly killed by a Housing Officer on Septem-
ber 27, 1994; as such, they have dedicated this Day to encourage the
improvement of safety in their Brooklyn neighborhood; and
WHEREAS, The Nicholas Naquan Heyward, Jr. Memorial Foundation is an
organization which strives to create positive opportunities and provide
creative activities to the youth of Brooklyn; and
WHEREAS, Nicholas Naquan Heyward, Jr., who would have been 28 years-
old this August, was a straight-A student at Intermediate School 293,
whose life and future were rich with dreams and opportunities; and
WHEREAS, Nicholas Naquan Heyward, Jr., was a bright and "jolly" young-
ster; he left a legacy of happiness, a testament to the cheerful nurtur-
ing he received from his family, friends, school and church; and
WHEREAS, It is in this spirit that Nicholas Naquan Heyward, Jr.'s
family chooses to celebrate his life each and every year with A Day of
Remembrance; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate A Day of Remembrance for Nicholas Naquan Heyward, Jr.;
honoring the light of his young life in hope that it might heighten the
public's awareness of the circumstances which brought a tragic end to
his brief life and serve to bring about improvements in providing safety
for all children of the community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Angela and Nicholas Heyward, Sr.