LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Barry Addison, upon the occasion of
receiving the Men of Distinction Award on June 10, 2010

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made signif-
icant contributions to the quality of life therein; and
WHEREAS, Barry Addison has given not only of his time and energies but
also of his competence, intelligence and leadership and consequently has
been designated for special honor; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Barry Addison,
upon the occasion of receiving the Men of Distinction Award, to be cele-
brated on June 10, 2010 at the 3rd Annual Men of Distinction Award Cere-
mony; and
WHEREAS, Barry Addison better known as Mr. B was born and raised in
the Tilden projects in Brownsville Brooklyn, New York; the youngest of
three children, "Mr. B" was raised by his mother Shirley Addison in a
single parent household; and
WHEREAS, Unfortunately, being without a positive male role model
combined with peer pressure, Mr. B became a product of the streets;
fortunately, for him he was led to the doors of Alpha School; there he
received counseling, direction, understanding a quality education; at
age 15, he obtained his G.E.D. and at age 16 was attending Queens
College; and
WHEREAS, After leaving college, Mr. B became nationally known as
boxing's number 1 bodyguard working with many fighters, including Eddie
Mustapha Muhammad, Mike McCallum, Mark Urcland, Iran Barkley, Treavor
Berbick, Tim Witherspoon, Matthew Saad Muhammad, James Buddy McGirt,
Junior Jones and Evander Holyfield; and
WHEREAS, Mr. B. was very instrumental in having these celebrities
address the youth of the community about the disadvantages and conse-
quences of gangs, drugs, alcohol and violence; and
WHEREAS, Mr. B. currently trains and manages fighters through his own
organization; in 1986, he was asked to return to the Alpha School in
order to give back to the community youth and soon became its Deputy
Director; and
WHEREAS, Subsequently, Mr. B. rose to become President/CEO of the
Alpha School, and he is President and Founder of the Alpha Riders, Inc.,
a community service organization dedicated to assisting and enhancing
the quality of lives of seniors and youths in the community; and
WHEREAS, Mr. B. has been married for over 33 years to his beautiful
wife Natalie, and have two exceptional children Ebony and Barry II; they
are also the proud grandparents of the adorable grandsons Andre and
Barry III; Mr. B.'s strong belief in family values has indeed tran-
scended to Alpha School which makes it the beacon that it has become for
over four decades; and
WHEREAS, Barry Addison has been called upon to contribute his time and
talents to countless civic and charitable endeavors and has always given
of himself unstintingly; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of his community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Barry Addison 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 Barry Addison has displayed through-
out his life; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Barry Addison, upon the occasion of receiving the Men of
Distinction Award on June 10, 2010; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Barry Addison.