LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Booker T. Gibson upon the occasion of
his designation as recipient of the Legionnaire of the Year Award by
Merrick American Legion Post No. 1282

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, Booker T. Gibson has given not only of his time and energies
but also of his competence, intelligence and leadership and consequently
has been designated for special recognition; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Booker T.
Gibson upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the Legion-
naire of the Year Award by Merrick American Legion Post No. 1282, cele-
brated at its 2010 Year-End Party; and
WHEREAS, An honors graduate of Mepham High School in Bellmore, Booker
T. Gibson served as President of his High School's House of Represen-
tatives; upon graduation he went on to earn his college degree from SUNY
Potsdam, where he was elected President of his class; and
WHEREAS, In 1956, Booker T. Gibson secured a teaching position in the
Music Department at the South Junior-Senior High School within the
Valley Stream Central School District, thereby becoming the school's
first African-American teacher; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Booker T. Gibson served as the piano accompanist
for the school's drama productions; the Class of 1965 honored him for
his efforts by establishing a scholarship in his name, the Booker T.
Gibson Music Award; and
WHEREAS, Booker T. Gibson retired from teaching in 1986, but to this
day he continues working as a musician, performing at the Irish Coffee
Pub, an upscale, Zagat-rated catering hall in East Islip, New York,
where he plays hits made famous by Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett and
others; and
WHEREAS, A longtime Merrick American Legion Post member, Booker T.
Gibson has been called upon to contribute his time and talents to count-
less civic and charitable endeavors and has always given of himself
unstintingly; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of his community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Booker T. Gibson has stood constant
in dignity, good grace and humor; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Frances, and their
three children, Joshua, Paul, and Brock, all of whom feel privileged to
be a part of his life and rejoice in his achievements; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Booker T. Gibson has displayed
throughout his life; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a
long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned the
recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Booker T. Gibson upon the occasion of his designation as recipient
of the Legionnaire of the Year Award by Merrick American Legion Post No.
1282; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Booker T. Gibson.