LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Jacques M. Leandre upon the occasion of
his designation for special recognition

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, Jacques Leandre has given not only of Ins time and energies
but also of his competence, intelligence and leadership and consequently
has been designated for special honor; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Jacques Lean-
dre upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition, to be
celebrated on Friday, June 24, 2011; and
WHEREAS, Jacques Leandre has been called upon to contribute his time
and talents to countless civic and charitable endeavors and has always
given of himself unstintingly; and
WHEREAS, Jacques Leandre attended public school locally at Springfield
Gardens High School where he graduated with honors; he then earned his
Bachelor of Arts degree in finance from Morehouse College in Atlanta,
Georgia, and his Juris Doctor degree from the City University of New
York School of Law at Queens College; and
WHEREAS, Jacques Leandre's first job as a practicing attorney was with
the New York City Department of Corrections as a legal coordinator; he
further demonstrated his leadership skills when he managed the New
Starts Initiative project at MFY Legal Services; the Initiative's prima-
ry purpose was to assist low-income women with their legal issues while
they transitioned from welfare to self-sufficiency; and
WHEREAS, Specifically, Jacques Leandre represented numerous clients on
a variety of poverty law issues by litigating housing, government bene-
fits, and family law cases before administrative law and civil court
judges; he currently practices law in the private sector as a supervis-
ing attorney where he manages 23 attorneys and eight paralegals; and
WHEREAS, Notwithstanding his busy professional career, Jacques Leandre
remains an active leader in several community organizations and
programs; he is well known as President of the Rosedale Jets Football
Association and in this capacity, he established the following programs
and activities: the Rights of Passage Football and Cheerleading Camp in
the Pocono Mountains; the Harve Pierre Scholarship Fund; the Annual High
School Workshop and Symposium; and the Legal and Law Enforcement Work-
shops; and
WHEREAS, Jacques Leandre also serves as the Vice President of the
Concerned Citizens of Laurelton where he addressed the following public
concerns, including: coordinating a free legal clinic and workshop for
residents; annually facilitating the donation of several hundred books
to the community library; and leading the effort in obtaining New York
State historic registry designation for the community; and
WHEREAS, Jacques Leandre is also affiliated with the Omega Psi Phi
Fraternity, Inc., the NAACP, P.S. 176 PTA, Merrick Academy Charter
School, and the Macon B. Allen Black Bar Association; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of his community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Jacques Leandre has stood constant
in dignity, good grace and humor; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Christela and their
two children, 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 Jacques Leandre has displayed
throughout his life; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Jacques M. Leandre upon the occasion of his designation for
special recognition; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Jacques M. Leandre.