LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending the Commission on Citizens' Rights and
Community Relations upon the occasion of celebrating its 7th Annual Race
& Reconciliation Conference to be held on May 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 those organiza-
tions and individuals who would 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, it is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend
the Commission on Citizens' Rights and Community Relations upon the
occasion of celebrating its 7th Annual Race & Reconciliation Conference
"The Unfinished Business of Civil Rights... With Liberty and Justice For
All" to be held at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center on Tuesday, May
11, 2010; and
WHEREAS, In 2000, then Mayor Anthony M. Masiello appointed a group of
citizens to, among other things, address race relations in the City of
Buffalo; subsequently, the Commission on Citizens' Rights and Community
Relations (CCR&CR) was formed to serve as the foundation of the human
relations support system for the City of Buffalo as well as to advocate
on behalf of citizens of the City of Buffalo with regard to their Human
and Civil rights; and
WHEREAS, It is the mission of CCR&CR of the City of Buffalo to strive
to eliminate prejudice, intolerance, bigotry and discrimination; to
encourage equality of treatment and prevent discrimination against
persons based upon race, ethnic background, cultural background,
language, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, nationality
and age; and to assure respect for the civil liberties of all citizens;
and
WHEREAS, A statutory agency of the City, CCR&CR monitors and improves
the quality of human relations within the community by interpreting the
social inclinations and frustrations of citizens; and
WHEREAS, CCR&CR staff works with the Board of Commissioners which, by
Charter, is to be made of 11 citizens appointed by the Mayor and
confirmed by Common Council; members are recognized community leaders,
selected for diversity and demonstrated commitment to social justice;
together, Commissioners and staff work to gain insight on Buffalo's
continually changing inter-group issues; and
WHEREAS, Currently, there are three issue-focused subcommittees that
address the needs of the Citizens and bring matters before the entire
board in order to efficiently support the mission of the CCR&CR; and
WHEREAS, It is the Commission's goal to provide support of community
relations through constructive dialogue, community mediation and train-
ing in the areas of diversity and police/citizen interaction; and
WHEREAS, CCR&CR Commissioners and staff work together to enhance human
relations through the core service areas of inter-group relations,
police-community relations, diversity and equality; within these areas,
the CCR&CR seeks to accomplish the following goals: prevent and elimi-
nate prejudice, intolerance, bigotry and discrimination; encourage
equality of treatment; assure respect for the Civil Liberties of all
citizens; provide channels of communication among various racial, reli-
gious and ethnic groups in the City of Buffalo; recognize and track
problems and patterns in areas of human and community relations; improve
inter-racial, inter-ethnic and community relations; and promote under-
standing, respect and good will among citizens; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a
long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned the
recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the Commission on Citizens' Rights and Community Relations upon
the occasion of celebrating its 7th Annual Race & Reconciliation Confer-
ence to be held on May 11, 2010; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Commission on Citizens' Rights and Community Relations.