2009-J6097

Memorializing Governor David A. Paterson to proclaim June 24-30, 2010, as Venerable Pierre Toussaint Week in the State of New York

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2009-J6097


LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor David A. Paterson to
proclaim June 24-30, 2010, as Venerable Pierre Toussaint Week in the
State of New York

WHEREAS, In the course of history, there are individuals of extraor-
dinary character and spirit who overcome the burdens of oppression and
rise to assist those in need; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize Governor
David A. Paterson to proclaim June 24-30, 2010, as Venerable Pierre
Toussaint Week in the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Pierre Toussaint was born a slave on a plantation in Haiti on
June 27, 1766; he died a free man in New York City on June 30, 1853, at
the age of 87; and
WHEREAS, Pierre Toussaint was taken by his owners to New York City
just before the revolt that would turn Haiti into an independent nation;
he was apprenticed to a hairdresser and was, through his own success,
able to secure the freedom of his sister and marry the woman who had
been his owner's housekeeper; and
WHEREAS, Through his tenacity and talents, Pierre Toussaint supported
his impoverished owner, established a credit union for other Haitian-Am-
ericans, funded many philanthropic organizations and, as a devoted
Catholic, raised funds to build a new church, Saint Peter's, and start
an orphanage and school for Black children; and
WHEREAS, The Haitian Memorial Foundation and other organizations have
worked for the canonization of Pierre Toussaint, the second American
saint, after Mother Seton; and
WHEREAS, Pierre Toussaint's legacy of philanthropy remains and he will
be remembered as a Haitian-New Yorker who contributed to the well-being
of his community and beyond; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor David A. Paterson to proclaim June 24-30, 2010 as
Venerable Pierre Toussaint 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 and Ielvre Maxime Auguste, President and CEO, Haitian Memorial
Association.

actions

  • 16 / Jun / 2010
    • ADOPTED

Resolution Details

Law Section:
Resolutions, Legislative

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