LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending the NAACP Brooklyn Branch upon the
occasion of hosting its Father's Day Recognition Luncheon

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 who devote themselves to the welfare of the commu-
nity 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 commend
the NAACP Brooklyn Branch upon the occasion of hosting its Father's Day
Recognition Luncheon, at the Southern Baptist Church, Brooklyn, New
York; and
WHEREAS, This year's honorees are: Fitzgerald C. Boyce, Pastor Bryan
Carter, Lance Goodwin, Marvin Holland, Reverend Taharka Robinson,
William Suggs, Michael Thomas, Reverend Robert Townsley, and A.B. Whit-
field; and
WHEREAS, Founded in 1909, the National Association for the Advancement
of Colored People (NAACP) is the largest and oldest civil rights organ-
ization in the nation; its history is one of activism and relentless
advocacy for safeguarding the rights of African-Americans and other
minority groups; from championing voter registration and economic empow-
erment to demanding equity in education, the NAACP has waged a tireless
fight to ensure the civil rights of all Americans; and
WHEREAS, The Brooklyn Branch of the NAACP was established in 1920; it
was a year of turmoil and pervasive violence against African-American
men; the first meeting of the Brooklyn NAACP was held at the Brooklyn
Academy of Music in December 1920; and
WHEREAS, Over the years, the Brooklyn Branch has gained a reputation
as one of the largest, most effective and influential branches of the
NAACP; at its peak, the branch had a membership of some 10,000; the
Brooklyn Branch is poised to reclaim this rich history with its restruc-
turing; since its reorganization in June 2005, the branch has emerged
with a young and committed leadership; this leadership is determined to
build on the branch's rich legacy of activism and defending the social,
economic, and legal rights of people of color; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when organiza-
tions of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the NAACP Brooklyn Branch upon the occasion of hosting its
Father's Day Recognition Luncheon; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the NAACP Brooklyn Branch and to the aforementioned honorees.