LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring James Smith upon the occasion of his
designation for special recognition

WHEREAS, With February being Black History Month, it is a time to
reflect on the struggles and victories of African-Americans throughout
our country's history and to recognize their numerous valuable contrib-
utions to society; and
WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made signif-
icant contributions to the quality of life therein; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
James Smith upon the occasion of his designation for special recogni-
tion; and
WHEREAS, Currently the Director of Operations, James Smith has been an
employee of the Phipps West Farms Beacon Program since 1996, and is an
active member of the West Farms, East Tremont community; and
WHEREAS, In 1993, James Smith and a number of friends voluntarily
began a basketball tournament for the youth in the community; this
particular tournament was designed for the youth and community residents
to interact and develop social relationships while enforcing positive
activities for the youth; and
WHEREAS, In 1996, James Smith began to coordinate the summer tourna-
ment with assistance from Phipps Houses Services and Phipps Community
Development Corporation, which offered 150-200 youth an opportunity to
play and learn sportsmanship along with the fundamentals of basketball;
this is incorporated with a safe and secure environment, as well as
enhancing social bonds between community youth and adults; and
WHEREAS, The name of this particular tournament was "Take Back the
Park"; in 2001, it was renamed the tournament "The Park is Ours"; the
tournament ran from 1996 to 2009; and
WHEREAS, Along with running the basketball tournament, James Smith
incorporated several other programs working with the youth; in addition,
he began the Advisory Board for neighborhood parents in order to help
decide on programs that would benefit the community along with the 24-7
Dads program; and
WHEREAS, James Smith'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 James Smith 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 James Smith.