LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Asian Americans for Equality upon the
occasion of its 36th Annual Lunar New Year Banquet on March 11, 2010

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of organizations
and individuals who devote themselves to the welfare of the community
and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Asian Americans for Equality upon the occasion of its 36th Annual Lunar
New Year Banquet, to be held on Thursday, March 11, 2010, at Jing Fong
Restaurant in Manhattan's Chinatown; and
WHEREAS, Asian Americans for Equality (AAFE) was founded in 1974 to
advance the rights of Asian Americans and all those in need through
advocacy and access in civil rights, immigrant assistance, social
services, affordable housing, and economic development; to empower the
communities it serves through research and publications reflecting its
issues and concerns; and to foster understanding and unity among diverse
communities; and
WHEREAS, Over the past 35 years, AAFE has evolved into a nationally
recognized affordable housing developer and an experienced social
service provider as well; it is a citywide community development corpo-
ration serving New York City's more than 800,000 Asian American resi-
dents; it has offices in Chinatown and Flushing and makes its programs
available in English and in various Asian languages; and
WHEREAS, AAFE's services include community development and housing
preservation, housing legal services, community education, citizenship
preparation, and social services and its affiliate organizations, the
AAFE Community Development Fund and Renaissance Economic Development
Corporation, provide homeownership counseling and small business train-
ing; and
WHEREAS, As it enjoys the cherished tradition of its Annual Lunar New
Year Banquet, during which friends and supporters gather to reflect upon
the accomplishments of the past year and to renew their commitment to
advance the rights of Asian Americans and other underserved communities,
Asian Americans for Equality will also recognize and pay tribute to
leaders who have made exceptional contributions to equality, racial
harmony and economic empowerment; and
WHEREAS, The Honorable Margaret Chin, New York City Council Member,
District 1; Alan Gartner, Chief of Staff, Office of the Deputy Mayor for
Education and Community Development; Dr. Rosa Gil, President and Chief
Executive Officer of Comunilife, Inc.; Colvin W. Grannum, President and
Chief Executive Officer of the Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corpo-
ration; and The Honorable Scott Stringer, Manhattan Borough President
will be honored with AAFE's 2010 Dream of Equality Awards; and
WHEREAS, Recognizing the strength of its commitment and leadership, on
the auspicious occasion of its 36th Annual Lunar New Year Banquet this
Legislative Body is pleased to commend Asian Americans for Equality,
applauding its endeavors and joining with it in welcoming the Year of
the Tiger; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Asian Americans for Equality upon the occasion of its 36th Annu-
al Lunar New Year Banquet on March 11, 2010 and to congratulate the
honorees of the evening; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Christopher Kui, Executive Director, Asian Americans for
Equality, and to the honorees of the evening.