LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending the Brooklyn Branch of Key Women of
America, Inc. upon the occasion of its 33rd Annual Awards Luncheon, and
saluting its honorees

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend those
illustrious organizations within the State of New York whose focus and
intent have made a substantial impact on the quality of life in their
communities; 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 Key Women of America, Inc. and its members for
their years of dedicated service; and
WHEREAS, On Saturday, April 17, 2010, the Brooklyn Branch of Key Women
of America, Inc. will host its 33rd Annual Awards Luncheon at the Fleur
de Lis in Ridgewood, New York; and
WHEREAS, Years ago, Reverend Bertha Nelms Harris and a group of other
women were asked to help a student write a thesis on foster care; as
they studied and observed the problems with foster care, they decided to
devote more time to the issue in order to alleviate or eradicate the
many problems that existed; and
WHEREAS, This informal assemblage gradually grew into a larger group,
and became what is now known as Key Women of America; and
WHEREAS, Key Women of America, Inc. was officially established when
Bertha Harris, Mae Thomas, Mae Garris, Mildred Webber and Grace Alexan-
der signed a certificate of incorporation on December 23, 1966; and
WHEREAS, The word "Key" was chosen because key people would be
researching important social problems and, similarly, "Women" was
selected because the group consisted of women from all walks of life;
and
WHEREAS, The first branch began in Manhattan, and Queens was the site
for the second branch; founder Reverend Bertha Harris served as Presi-
dent of the Manhattan branch for many years; and
WHEREAS, One of Reverend Harris' main concerns was the problem of
youth in conflict with the law; during her many visits to penal insti-
tutions, she noticed that young male adults were incarcerated with older
hardened criminals; and
WHEREAS, At one of her visits to the Tombs, a penal institution in
Manhattan, she met Alice Groves, who counseled inmates at the institu-
tion; Reverend Harris convinced her to use her talent to write a play
about youth incarceration and the problems youths faced when released;
and
WHEREAS, Alice Groves' play "Do It" was subsequently performed,
receiving such recognition that the State finally did address the ills
of the penal system for young men and established the first residential
home in New York City for boys between the ages of 16 and 21; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Harris listened with deep concern to radio broad-
casts reporting on the many children in New York City who needed homes;
her investigations revealed that many of these children were the
products of broken homes and incapacitated parents and others were
orphans; and
WHEREAS, Key Women of America, Inc. assisted in securing foster and
adoptive homes for these children throughout New York City and its
untiring efforts on behalf of many waiting children have been of ines-
timable value to the city; and
WHEREAS, Although the prevention of juvenile delinquency is the prima-
ry goal of Key Women of America, Inc., family services and community
needs have also been an active part of its program; and

WHEREAS, Today, Key Women of America, Inc. is a national service
organization comprised of seven branches in the Southern Region, Georgia
and North Carolina; one in Indianapolis, Indiana; one in Bermuda; and 15
in Metropolitan New York; and
WHEREAS, Organized in 1972, under the leadership of Mrs. Lillian
James, the Brooklyn Branch of Key Women of America established four
themes as its guiding principles: "Investment in Children, Family
Service, Community Needs, and World Concerns"; and
WHEREAS, These principles continue to guide the organization and are,
once again, the theme of its 33rd Annual Awards Luncheon on April 17,
2010; and
WHEREAS, Each year at its luncheon, the Brooklyn Branch of Key Women
of America, Inc. pays tribute to members of the community, recognizing
the accomplishments of those who strive to create an improved quality of
life for all they encounter and serve as positive role models for the
youth of the community, many of whom attend the luncheon; and
WHEREAS, The outstanding 2010 honorees are: Ms. Nadja McKenzie, P.S.
235 Soar Gifted Program Student, Youth Award; Ms. Elsie Curry, Educator
and Mentor, Union Baptist Church, Churchwoman of the Year Award; Rever-
end Lawrence E. Aker III, Pastor, Cornerstone Baptist Church, Ecumenical
Award; Mrs. Adrian Straker, Guidance Counselor General and Special
Education, New York City Department of Education, P.S. 32K, Education
Award; Ms. Mildred Forde, Founder and President, Mildred Forde Young
Models Competition and the Mildred Forde Enhancement Workshop, Community
Service Award; Ms. Paula Holmes, Principal, Dr. Susan S. McKinney
Secondary School of the Arts, Special Achievement Award; and Divine
Pryor, Ph.D., Executive Director of Nu Leadership on Urban Solutions,
Medgar Evers College, Man of the Year Award; and
WHEREAS, The Brooklyn Branch of Key Women of America, Inc. has proudly
selected for special honor these luminous individuals who have demon-
strated an unyielding dedication to the betterment of the community and
the people who form it; 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
applaud the outstanding contributions of the Brooklyn Branch of Key
Women of America, Inc. and its honored guests; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Ms. Ellen K. Smalls, President of the Key Women of America,
Inc., Brooklyn Branch, and to each of its 33rd Annual Awards Luncheon
honorees.