LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending the Federation of African American
Civil Service Organizations, Inc. upon the occasion of hosting its 54th
Annual Awards Celebration on April 25, 2009

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those organiza-
tions that give positive definition to the profile and disposition of
the communities of the State of New York, do so profoundly strengthen
our shared commitment to the exercise of freedom; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
the Federation of African American Civil Service Organizations, Inc.
upon the occasion of hosting its 54th Annual Awards Celebration to be
held on Saturday, April 25, 2009, at Riccardo's Restaurant in Astoria,
New York; and
WHEREAS, The purpose of this most illustrious event is to honor Civil
Servants who have excelled in their respective fields; this year the
Federation of African American Civil Service Organizations, Inc. will
bestow its 2009 Leadership Award upon Veronica Montgomery-Costa, Presi-
dent of District Council 32 and the Department of Education Employees
Local 372; and
WHEREAS, Since its inception, the Federation of African American Civil
Service Organizations, Inc. has been committed to advancing the ideals
of equality in Civil Service, to securing appointments of African Ameri-
cans to policy-making positions in civil service agencies and to provid-
ing a support network for its members and potential civil servants who
seek promotional and entry level opportunities; and
WHEREAS, The Federation of African American Civil Service Organiza-
tions, Inc. was founded in 1954, following conferences between the offi-
cers of five African American organizations in federal, state and munic-
ipal agencies in the New York Metropolitan area; today, the Federation
consists of 15 such organizations with a combined membership of 35,000;
and
WHEREAS, The Federation of African American Civil Service Organiza-
tions, Inc. is an association of accredited African-American Civil
Service Organizations, whose members have pledged themselves to the high
principle of true patriotism and to the service of their nation and
communities; and
WHEREAS, The Federation of African American Civil Service Organiza-
tions, Inc. promotes understanding, friendship and cooperation among
affiliate organizations; supports the social and cultural activities of
each organization by reciprocation; offers its members assistance in the
attainment of their stated goals, and the achievement of general recog-
nition and acceptance; assists in the resolution of organization diffi-
culties and problems as well as in the elevation of the socio-economic
level of civil service employees; in addition, it supports the plans of
action of the member organizations and their designated candidates for
positions on higher or policy-making levels; and
WHEREAS, Although primarily concerned with advancing the ideals of
equality in Civil Service, the Federation is acutely aware that it is
vitally effected by, and is a part of the greater society; accordingly,
it has worked closely with various communities and other groups, such as
the NAACP, Urban League and the New York State Association of Black &
Puerto Rican Legislators, Inc.; and
WHEREAS, The Federation of African American Civil Service Organiza-
tions, Inc. is hopeful that it will be joined in the fight by all Ameri-
cans who desire this nation to reach its fullest potential in economic
advancement and the administration of social justice; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when organiza-
tions of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the Federation of African American Civil Service Organizations,
Inc. upon the occasion of hosting its 54th Annual Awards Celebration on
April 25, 2009; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Debra Ishman, President, Federation of African American Civil
Service Organizations, Inc.