LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of Sandra Robinson, distin-
guished citizen and devoted member of her community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Sandra Robinson of Brooklyn, New York, died on Tuesday, May
17, 2011, at the age of 58; and
WHEREAS, Sandra Robinson was a native New Yorker and a family day care
provider in her Bedford-Stuyvesant community for seven years; always
giving of herself unstintingly, she worked with youth for 25 years
throughout New York State as well as California; and
WHEREAS, Sandra Robinson distinguished herself in her profession and
by her sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of
her community; and
WHEREAS, An active and vocal leader of FUREE for over seven years,
Sandra Robinson first joined the organization in 2005, as part of its
Child Care Campaign; in 2007, she was elected to its Board of Directors
by its members and in 2009, elected as Co-Chair; and
WHEREAS, Sandra Robinson served FUREE with dignity and with a very
clear understanding that she represented the hundreds of members who
believed in her humble leadership and vision for the organization's
work; and
WHEREAS, Under Sandra Robinson's stewardship, FUREE launched two new
campaigns, transitioned its directorship, played leading roles in
sustaining work with contributors and individual supporters, and posi-
tioned the organization as a leader in social change movements at the
local and national level; and
WHEREAS, On a recent trip to New Orleans, Sandra Robinson appeared on
a panel that discussed opportunities for housing organizing during the
economic recession; her poignant responses didn't come from years of
experience, but rather from her heart; and
WHEREAS, Constantly sharing her passion for justice with others,
Sandra Robinson was committed to building deeper relationships, and
creating a safe space for members, staff, and Board Members at FUREE;
she worked hard to build a sense of family, camaraderie, and unity
throughout the organization as well as within its office; and
WHEREAS, Sandra Robinson has been described as a lioness protecting
her cubs; she was calm, peaceful, and vigilant in protecting the refuge
that members needed as people struggled with the impact of the economy,
while nurturing the leadership of women and youth from low-income and
working class communities; and
WHEREAS, An inspiration to many, Sandra Robinson was well known for
sharing her life, her hopes and her dreams to win racial, gender, and
economic equity in Brooklyn and beyond; and
WHEREAS, Sandra Robinson's commitment to excellence, and her spirit of
humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including charita-
ble and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, Sandra Robinson is survived by her mother, Shirley Robinson,
her daughter Kymberly Paul, and her grandchildren, Nicole and Kwame,
after whom her child care center in Bedford-Stuyvesant is named; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Sandra Robinson leaves behind a legacy which will long
endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all
she served and befriended; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Sandra Robinson, distinguished citizen and devoted
member of her community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Sandra Robinson.