LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor David A. Paterson to
proclaim July 20-26, 2010, as Liberian Heritage Week in the State of New
York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to acknowledge and
celebrate individuals, groups and events that add vitality, sensitivity,
understanding and inspiration to the diversity and value of the people
of this great Empire State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is proud to memorialize
Governor David A. Paterson to proclaim July 20-26, 2010, as Liberian
Heritage Week in the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Between 1821 and 1847, the American Colonization Society
developed the colony of Liberia, repatriating freed slaves from the
United States to the continent of Africa, and who then established their
own Nation; and
WHEREAS, July 26, 2010, marks the 163rd Anniversary of the independ-
ence of the Republic of Liberia, and during which period there have been
especially close ties between the United States of America and the
Republic of Liberia; and
WHEREAS, Internal strife in Liberia led immigrants to settle in the
United States, particularly in New York; and
WHEREAS, Starting in the late 1970s, Liberians began to settle in
communities on Staten Island, particularly Park Hill/Clifton, which now
has the largest Liberian population of any city outside Africa, with
approximately 6,000-8,000 direct immigrants; and
WHEREAS, Liberians in New York have created a vibrant community with
African restaurants and businesses, notably in the Nostrand Avenue area
of Brooklyn as well as the establishment of community groups like the
Staten Island Liberian Community Association (SILCA); and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body, in keeping with
its time-honored traditions, to recognize and pay tribute to the New
Yorkers of Liberian ancestry who foster ethnic pride and enhance the
cultural diversity which strengthens the fabric of the communities of
New York State; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body, representing the people of New York,
commemorates those events of historical significance which add strength,
vigor and inspiration to the cultural diversity and quality of life in
the communities of the State of New York; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor David A. Paterson to proclaim July 20-26, 2010, as
Liberian Heritage Week in the State of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable David A. Paterson, Governor of the State of New
York, Jeff Gongoer Dowana, Sr., The Consul General of the Republic of
Liberia in New York, and the Staten Island Liberian Community Associ-
ation.