LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Valerie Oliver Durrah for receiving the
2010 Community Pillar Award from Sesame Flyers International, Inc.

WHEREAS, Individuals who give of their time and energies and serve the
best interests of their communities are an asset beyond remuneration and
cannot be sufficiently extolled; and
WHEREAS, Valerie Oliver Durrah has given not only of her time and
energies but also of her competence, intelligence and leadership and
consequently has been designated for special honor; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Valerie Oliver
Durrah for receiving the 2010 Community Pillar Award from Sesame Flyers
International, Inc. to be celebrated at its First Annual Scholarship
Gala on Thursday, May 13, 2010; and
WHEREAS, Based on its origins and cultural Caribbean heritage, Sesame
Flyers International Incorporated is a community-based not for profit
corporation founded in 1983; it functions as a multi-service agency
which provides a number of services to both youths and adults; Sesame
Flyers International consists of both volunteers and professional staff,
dedicated to empowering the lives of young people and community; and
WHEREAS, Valerie Oliver Durrah has been called upon to contribute her
time and talents to countless civic and charitable endeavors and has
always given of herself unstintingly; and
WHEREAS, Valerie Oliver Durrah is President and Chief Executive Offi-
cer of the Neighborhood Technical Assistance Clinic (NTAC), and utilizes
a well-developed, executive skill set in support of organizations and
leaders who seek to address the needs of underserved communities; and
WHEREAS, Adept at helping grassroots service providers develop effec-
tive programs and navigate the challenging terrain of fundraising, Ms.
Oliver Durrah has aided dozens of organizations in securing the economic
and technical resources they need to flourish in difficult economic
times; she is a co-founder of the Black Women for Black Girls Giving
Circle, and a visionary behind the report "Black Girls in New York City:
Untold Strength & Resilience"; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of her community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Valerie Oliver Durrah has stood
constant in dignity, good grace and humor; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Valerie Oliver Durrah has displayed
throughout her life; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Valerie Oliver Durrah for receiving the 2010 Community Pillar
Award from Sesame Flyers International, Inc.; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Valerie Oliver Durrah.