LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending the Capital District YMCA upon the
occasion of its 7th Annual Black and Latino Achievers Banquet on June
10, 2010 and saluting the honorees of the evening

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities of New York State are
reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of organizations and
individuals who devote themselves to the welfare of the community and
its citizenry, paying particular attention to the youth of the communi-
ty; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
the Capital District YMCA upon the occasion of its 7th Annual Black and
Latino Achievers Awards Banquet honoring outstanding community leaders
and area young people, to be held at The Desmond Hotel, Albany, New
York; on Thursday, June 10, 2010; and
WHEREAS, YMCA services in the Capital Region of New York State have
affected the spirit, mind and body of people for more than 150 years
and, since its formation in 1990, the Capital District YMCA has reiter-
ated and enhanced the YMCA's commitment to the children, families and
seniors of the area; and
WHEREAS, The Capital District YMCA's Black and Latino Achievers
Program was established to help youth set and pursue higher education
and career goals; it reaches into the heart of the community for both
adult and teen achievers and, recognizing and utilizing the talents of
successful professionals and community leaders, the program brings a
much needed positive influence into the lives of young people; and
WHEREAS, The Black and Latino Achievers Awards Banquet, one of the
Capital District YMCA's most memorable events, celebrates the accom-
plishments of student and adult achievers and, in a moving and memorable
way, illustrates how much can be achieved when dedicated adults support
and mentor young people, encouraging them, through participation in the
program, to set meaningful educational goals and to make positive
contributions to their community; and
WHEREAS, The Albany County Adult Achievers to be honored at the
Banquet include Michael Barber, The Honorable William A. Carter, Shana
Davis, Donald Dupass, Nelson Flores, Donavan S. Kenney, Kathryn Ramsey,
Ricky Romero, D. Ekow King, Sahi L. Butler, The Reverend Dr. Damone Paul
Johnson, Carl Patterson, William Hill and Maria Neira; and
WHEREAS, The 2010 Youth Black and Latino Award recipients from Albany
County are: Tomasilienne Lewis, The Albany Academies; Ambre McNeal,
Guilderland High School; Jasmine Day, Guilderland High School; Leila
Atallah Benson, Albany High School; Star-Quana Jackson, Albany High
School; Brandon Everett, Christian Brothers Academy; Dudley Okongo,
Albany High School; Teon A. Desir, Albany High School; Rebecca Edick,
Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk High School; Keva Luke, Albany High School;
Kasheem Ward, Albany High School; Myriam Monik Diamande, Bethlehem
Central High School and Simone Arington, Bethlehem Central High School;
and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when organiza-
tions and adults and young people of commitment, dedication and accom-
plishment are brought to our attention, they should be recognized and
extolled for the edification and emulation of others; now, therefore, be
it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the Capital District YMCA upon the occasion of its 7th Annual

Black and Latino Achievers Banquet on June 10, 2010 and to salute the
Adult and Youth honorees of the evening; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to J. David Brown, President and CEO of the Capital District
YMCA, and to each of the aforementioned honorees.