LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring William Mathews upon the occasion of his
designation for special recognition

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those individ-
uals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the community and its
citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
William Mathews upon the occasion of his designation for special recog-
nition; and
WHEREAS, Baba William "Bill" Mathews was born to the late William and
Rose Lee Mathews in East Harlem, New York; he attended Benjamin Franklin
High School and continued his education at Hostos College in the Bronx;
and
WHEREAS, Baba Bill Mathews was initiated in the mystery of Obatala, in
the Lucumi tradition, by Iya Carol Robinson, (Council Member) and Baba
William Wells; he began his work experience with New York City's Human
Resources Administration, first as a Human Resources Technician, and
finally moving up to his current position as Deputy Assistant Director
of the Fraud Investigation Unit; and
WHEREAS, Baba Bill Mathews has over 30 years' experience trouble
shooting new programs for the Human Resources Administration and
possesses 15 years of management program skills in various agencies
within New York City which has prepared him to work with community
organizations in management positions; and
WHEREAS, Baba Bill Mathews is currently a member of the Homeland Secu-
rity Crisis Management Agency and Operation Manager for HURREX, Hurri-
cane Evacuation Center for the Office of Emergency Management; and
WHEREAS, Baba Bill Mathews joined the Council of Elders 25 years ago,
being invited by Baba Chuck Davis, he was also asked to become a member
of the Chuck Davis Dance Company's signature group, NTORE, which shows
the prowess of the Rwandan Elite warriors; and
WHEREAS, Because of his attention to detail and devoted loyalty to the
Council of Elders, Baba Bill Mathews was asked to serve as an assistant
to Chief Elder Baba Lee Abrahamson in ceremony; he also, along with
Elder Katunge Mimy, works to ensure that the Ancestral Room each and
every Dance Africa event, is viewed as an integral piece that is honored
by all; and
WHEREAS, Baba Bill Mathews is Committee Chair for Ijo Yoruba Church,
Inc., a member of Omo Obatala Egbe, Inc., an administrative member of
the Egbe Iwa Odo Kunrin/Binrin Rites of Passage program, and is Ances-
tral Shrine coordinator for the International African Arts Festival held
annually in Brooklyn; he is also the chair of the Program Committee for
the Orisha Community Development Corporation; and
WHEREAS, A true asset to society, Baba Bill Mathews's distinguished
record merits the recognition and respectful tribute of this Legislative
Body; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor William Mathews 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 William Mathews.