LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Reverend Roger Hambrick upon the occa-
sion of his designation by the Riverdale Jewish Community Council as the
recipient of the Martin Rollins Interfaith Brotherhood Award at its
Legislative and Awards Breakfast on March 15, 2009

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that the quality and
character of life in the Empire State are greatly enriched by the faith-
ful and generous service of those who distinguish themselves in their
profession and in service to their faith, heritage and community; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and fully in accord with its long-
standing traditions, it is the intent of this Legislative Body to
commend interfaith and community leader Reverend Roger Hambrick upon the
occasion of his designation by the Riverdale Jewish Community Council as
the recipient of the Martin Rollins Interfaith Brotherhood Award at its
25th Annual Legislative and Awards Breakfast, to be held at the River-
dale YM-YWHA on Sunday, March 15, 2009; and
WHEREAS, Founded in 1978, the Riverdale Jewish Community Council
(RJCC) serves as the umbrella organization for more than 50 area syna-
gogues and Jewish organizations; it works to enrich Jewish communal life
and acts as an advocate for and representative of the
Riverdale/Kingsbridge Jewish community to New York City governmental and
Jewish communal organizations; and
WHEREAS, Each year at its Legislative and Awards Breakfast the River-
dale Jewish Community Council proudly pays tribute to organizations and
individuals who have distinguished themselves in service to their commu-
nity; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Hambrick works tirelessly as Pastor of Green Pasture
Baptist Church, an African-American congregation housed in a former
synagogue in the South Bronx, to improve his community and to help build
bridges between the Black and Jewish communities; and
WHEREAS, He also serves as the Director of the Bronx Mass Ministry,
conducts Bible Study classes in communities across the United States,
and combines his career in the ministry with his talent as a Gospel
musician; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Hambrick has performed in such prominent venues as
the Apollo Theatre, Radio City Music Hall, Madison Square Garden,
Central Park and Shea Stadium and, locally with his Green Pasture
Baptist Church's Gospel Choir at the Hebrew Institute of Riverdale, the
Riverdale Y, and the RJCC Heritage Street Fair, to the great enjoyment
of all; he is, in addition, currently working on producing a musical
album with a leading Jewish entertainer, Neshama Carlebach; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Hambrick has lived in The Bronx for more than 50
years; he and his wife, Sylvia Vanessa, a nurse technician, have five
children, Michael, Lataye, Ajanee, Roger Jr. and Ariana, all of whom are
proud to be part of his life and rejoice in his many accomplishments;
and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals 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 Riverdale Jewish Community Council and to applaud Reverend
Roger Hambrick upon the occasion of his designation by the Council as
the recipient of the Martin Rollins Interfaith Brotherhood Award at its
25th Annual Legislative and Awards Breakfast on March 15, 2009; and be
it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Reverend Roger Hambrick.