LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Peggy Brooks-Bertram upon the
occasion of her designation for special recognition as recipient of the
2009 Governor's Women's History Month Award

WHEREAS, Individuals who give of their time and energies and serve the
best interests of their communities are an asset beyond remuneration and
cannot be sufficiently extolled; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and pay
tribute to those distinguished citizens who devote their time and ener-
gies to the service of their community and profession, participating in
civic affairs and enhancing the character and quality of life for all
citizens; and
WHEREAS, It is also the custom of this Legislative Body to acknowledge
outstanding individuals whose professional lives, personal endeavors and
community service are an example and inspiration to their colleagues,
friends, and family; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to congratu-
late Peggy Brooks-Bertram upon the occasion of her designation for
special recognition as recipient of the 2009 Governor's Women's History
Month Award; this auspicious occasion will be celebrated on Tuesday
March 24, 2009, in Albany, New York; and
WHEREAS, Peggy Brooks-Bertram is the co-author of UNCROWNED QUEENS:
AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY BUILDERS OF WESTERN NEW YORK; this book and
the "Uncrowned Queens Project" provides an extensive examination of the
role the African American community played in the PAN AMERICAN Exposi-
tion of 1901, held in Buffalo, New York; and
WHEREAS, In her role as a co-chair of the Uncrowned Queens focus
group, Peggy Brooks-Bertram envisioned the "Uncrowned Queens Project" as
a vehicle to honor the Black women of Western New York who had lived in
the era from the PAN AMERICAN Exposition to the present; and
WHEREAS, Peggy Brooks-Bertram moved to Buffalo, New York, in 1986; she
completed a B.A. in political science from Goucher College and received
her master's and doctorate degrees from the Johns Hopkins University
School of Hygiene and Public Health; she also has a doctorate degree in
American Studies from the University at Buffalo, The State University of
New York; and
WHEREAS, Currently an adjunct Assistant Professor and Director of
Undergraduate Studies in the Department of African American Studies at
the University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Peggy
Brooks-Bertram is a multi-talented individual with interests across a
broad spectrum, including public education, special topics in public
health, journalism, creative writing, and independent scholarship on
various topics in African American history; and
WHEREAS, Devoted to public education Peggy Brooks-Bertram has a
distinguished record of advocacy for parents of children in public
schools; her interests and activities in public health include African
American women and depression and developmental disabilities; she main-
tains a special interest in families of children with neurological
impairments; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Peggy Brooks-Bertram is a playwright, poet, and
dramatist, as well as an independent scholar; for several years she also
maintained a byline, MAAT, with the CHALLENGER newspaper and has
produced her own radio program, PEGGY'S PLACE, which focused on issues
pertinent to the African American community; she also was co-producer
and host of an educational television program, EDUCATION IN REVIEW,

which informed the community of major educational issues in Buffalo and
beyond; and
WHEREAS, In 2001, Morgan State University awarded Peggy Brooks-Bertram
its first Distinguished Achievement Award for Outstanding Contributions
to African American History and Culture; she also received the Universi-
ty at Buffalo, UB Service Excellence Award for the Library
Internship/Residency Program; in addition, she is the recipient of the
UB Star Award for outstanding work on the Pan American Exposition
centennial celebration with the Uncrowned Queens Project; and
WHEREAS, Among the community service awards received by Peggy Brooks-
Bertram are: the M.O.C.H.A. (Men of Color Helping All) of the Year
Award, African-American Fire Fighters; Clifford G. Bell Community
Service Award; and the National Association of Counties, Individual
Achievement Award for Family Support Programs for Families of Children
with Prader-Willi Syndrome; and
WHEREAS, Peggy Brooks-Bertram is also a member of the Board of Direc-
tors of the Buffalo Historical Society and the Kaleida Health Trustee
Council; she is a member of the St. John Baptist Church where she is
Chair of the St. John Hospice Development Committee; and
WHEREAS, Peggy Brooks-Bertram and her husband, Dennis, are the proud
parents of two children, Dennison Ivor-Jean and Lillian-Yvonne Margaret
Bertram; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of her professional and communi-
ty service, a period of constructive involvement, Peggy Brooks-Bertram
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 Peggy Brooks-Bertram has displayed
throughout her life; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the well-being and vitality of their profession and community,
and have shown a long and sustained commitment to excellence, certainly
have earned the recognition and applause of all citizens of this great
Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Peggy Brooks-Bertram upon the occasion of her designation
for special recognition as recipient of the 2009 Governor's Women's
History Month Award; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Peggy Brooks-Bertram.