LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending the Brooklyn Branch of Key Women of
America, Inc. upon the occasion of its 35th Annual Awards Luncheon on
April 7, 2012 and saluting Lauren Boone, recipient of its 2012 Lillian
James Scholarship

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to act, in accord with
its long-standing traditions, to honor the achievements of its young
citizens and leaders of tomorrow, whose character and accomplishments
exemplify the ideals and values cherished by this great State and
nation; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and fully in accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
the Brooklyn Branch of Key Women of America, Inc. upon the occasion of
its 35th Annual Awards Luncheon, to be held at the Fleur de Lis in
Ridgewood, Queens, on Saturday, April 7, 2012, and to salute Lauren
Boone, recipient of its 2012 Lillian James Scholarship; and
WHEREAS, Key Women of America, Inc. is a community service organiza-
tion founded in 1954 by the Reverend Bertha Nelms Harris, an ordained
minister who had a deep desire to address the needs of children in the
home, schools, institutions, and in conflict with the law; and
WHEREAS, She called on women leaders to join with her to address these
concerns; she called the women who joined with her "Key Women" and, what
began as a small group of women in Harlem, New York, grew into a larger
group and on December 23, 1966, they incorporated as Key Women of Ameri-
ca, Inc. and chose Investment in Children, Family Service, Community
Needs, and World Concerns as their mission; and
WHEREAS, With Manhattan as its founding and parent body, branches
began to form in other boroughs, including Brooklyn; and
WHEREAS, The Brooklyn Branch of Key Women of America, Inc. was organ-
ized in 1972 under the leadership of Mrs. Lillian James; the officers
and members were and continue to be civic minded women who are dedicated
to Key Women's mission and, since its inception, it has undertaken a
variety of worthy causes; and
WHEREAS, Each year at its Annual Awards Luncheon, the Brooklyn Branch
of Key Women of America, Inc. proudly honors individuals who exemplify
those principles and values; Lauren Boone truly merits such recognition;
and
WHEREAS, Lauren Boone is a Catharine Lealtad Scholar at Macalester
College in St. Paul, Minnesota, where she studies religion and is a
member of the Black Liberation Affairs Committee and Women of Diaspora;
and
WHEREAS, In her spare time, Lauren Boone writes fiction and continues
to participate in the distinguished New York University Creative Writing
Summer Program; and
WHEREAS, She has served as a Key Youth for the past 12 years; after
graduation from Macalester, Lauren plans to earn a Master of Fine Arts
degree in Creative Writing, travel the globe, open a foundation in
support of teens, and have a successful career in the writing industry
and, she is thrilled and most appreciative of being named this year's
recipient of the Lillian James Scholarship; and
WHEREAS, An outstanding role model, Lauren Boone has brought honor to
her family, college, and community; and
WHEREAS, Lauren Boone may stand with pride in her achievements, expe-
riencing the satisfaction of her labors and the joy of her accomplish-
ments, eager to face the challenge of new experiences as she continues
her education and begins her career; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the Brooklyn Branch of Key Women of America, Inc. upon the occa-
sion of its 35th Annual Awards Luncheon on April 7, 2012 and to salute
Lauren Boone, recipient of its 2012 Lillian James Scholarship; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Brooklyn Branch of Key Women of America, Inc. and to
Lauren Boone.