LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring founder Rosalind O'Neal upon the occa-
sion of celebrating the 15th Anniversary of the
African-American/Caribbean Education Association, Inc.

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 organiza-
tions and individuals that are devoted 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
founder Rosalind O'Neal upon the occasion of celebrating the 15th Anni-
versary of the African-American/Caribbean Education Association, Inc.;
and
WHEREAS, Rosalind O'Neal was born and raised in the Bronx, New York;
growing up, she was greatly influenced by her father's strong work
ethic, devotion to family, and advocacy for social justice; these
particular principles have become her tapestry and armor which have
driven her throughout her lifetime; and
WHEREAS, From 1967-2003, Rosalind O'Neal served as an educator in the
New York City School System; during that time, she wore many hats
providing services as teacher and mentor, special programs adviser,
school leadership team (SLT) chair, elected United Federation of Teach-
ers (UFT) union representative, and public relations coordinator; and
WHEREAS, In those capacities, Rosalind O'Neal's leadership championed
many causes in the interests of children and parent empowerment result-
ing in better instructional supports for youngsters in crisis; her
organizational skills relied upon utilizing the strengths of the commu-
nity; she brought together school, community, business, clergy, elected
officials, UFT, and media, to obtain the granting of resources and
assistance; and
WHEREAS, Toward the end of her teaching career in 1997, Rosalind
O'Neal founded the African-American/Caribbean Education Association,
Inc. (AACEAINC), which became chartered by the New York State Education
Department in 2001; her initial goal was to unite teachers of African-
American and Caribbean heritage, living in the community, to offer
solutions for children attending low performing schools in Southeast
Queens; and
WHEREAS, It was understood that by offering African-American and
Caribbean communities viable solutions which socialize students,
parents, families, and children could better compete and achieve in the
evolving technological society, which is an integral part of AACEAINC's
mission; and
WHEREAS, Over the 15-year existence as chief executive officer, Rosa-
lind O'Neal's outreach and collaboration has resulted in partnerships
with diverse groups including local churches, schools, PTA, SLT, commu-
nity-based organizations, businesses, government representatives, and
media; and
WHEREAS, Under Rosalind O'Neal's tutelage, AACEAINC was an endorser of
the National Center for Schools and Communities at Fordham University,
Task Force 2009: Working for Human Rights in New York City Public
Schools; additionally, under her leadership, she is proud to have
provided to the community some of the following: New Regents Standards
Information, Voter Registration, Health Fairs, Safety Forums, Juneteenth
Celebration and Essay Contest, Community Civic Service Program,
Jazz/Poetry Slam and AACEAINC City-Wide Poetry Contest, Voice in Immi-
grant Education, Black Literature Series, Parent Empowerment Series,

Making Education a Top Priority Series, Adopt a School Program, Cultural
Sponsorship for Students, and the AACEAINC Scholarship Program and
Community Service Lifetime Achievement Award; and
WHEREAS, A believer in innovative education, Rosalind O'Neal was a
founding member of the Peninsula Preparatory Academy Charter School,
where she also served as chairperson of the Board of Trustees; and
WHEREAS, In addition to spearheading AACEAINC, Rosalind O'Neal
provides services as an education and business consultant specializing
in strategic management; she directs Moving Thoughts to Action, an
intellectual think tank that empowers leadership and organizational
capacity building; and
WHEREAS, Rosalind O'Neal is the recipient of the NANBPWC awards for
Distinguished Education Leadership, given at the United Nations along
with the National Sojourner Truth Award; she received the Top 40 in 40
Award as an esteemed alumna from Dowling College when they celebrated
their 40 year anniversary and was the recipient of the NAUW's Community
Service award; and
WHEREAS, With her throughout have been her children, Shawneequa and
Cheyenne, both of whom feel privileged to be a part of her life and
rejoice in her achievements; and
WHEREAS, This auspicious occasion presents an opportunity for this
Legislative Body to recognize and pay tribute to both AACEAINC and its
founder Rosalind O'Neal; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that when organiza-
tions and individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought
to our attention, they should be recognized and applauded by all the
citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor founder Rosalind O'Neal upon the occasion of celebrating the 15th
Anniversary of the African-American/Caribbean Education Association,
Inc.; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Rosalind O'Neal.