LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION celebrating the life of William McKinley Ross,
distinguished citizen and devoted member of his 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, William McKinley Ross of Harlem, New York, died on January
18, 2014, at the age of 75; and
WHEREAS, Born on May 13, 1938, in Opelika, Alabama, to the late Robie
and Leila Christian Ross, William "Bill" M. Ross was the sixth of 11
children; and
WHEREAS, He attended J.W. Darden High School where his quest for know-
ledge began; at a very early age he displayed a tireless work ethic,
which would eventually become the backdrop for his life's work; and
WHEREAS, After graduating from high school, Bill attended Livingstone
College where he ran track and participated in numerous organizations;
while there, he was inspired by many of the prestigious educators and
would often assist and push the wheelchair of the college President
around campus; and
WHEREAS, Bill Ross worked diligently and subsequently graduated from
Livingstone College with a degree in Psychology and Sociology; and
WHEREAS, While living with his sisters in Glen Cove, New York, Bill
worked at the Brooklyn YMCA as a Youth Counselor; in 1962, he joined the
military as a member, of the United States Army, where he was stationed
in Seattle, Washington as a Recruiter and Trainer; and
WHEREAS, After serving his country, Bill was honorably discharged and
began his work in the Harlem community with the New York City Youth
Board; he performed outreach to some of New York's toughest gangs and it
was there he discovered his gift as a community activist; in this posi-
tion, he was instrumental in transitioning violent gang members into
productive citizens of the community; and
WHEREAS, While working at the Youth Board, his co-worker and dear
friend Yolanda introduced him to her sister, Sibyl; Bill and Sibyl were
married in 1968, at Mother A.M.E. Zion Church and made their home in
Harlem, raising two children, Marc William and Nicole Jennifer; and
WHEREAS, In 1967, Bill became a field representative for the Recruit-
ment and Training Program (RTP); there he was mentored by three poli-
tical powerhouses which set Bill's career as a labor-relations advocate
in motion; and
WHEREAS, The mission of RTP was to recruit and train minorities for
entry into the building and construction trade unions; Bill quickly rose
through the ranks and eventually replaced one of his mentors as National
Executive Director of RTP; he brokered deals with labor unions to open
the door for skilled minority men and women who simply wanted a fair
shake in the workforce; and
WHEREAS, Bill Ross was the shepherd by which many became gainfully
employed; not only did he ensure that these young men and women had the
necessary technical expertise, he ensured that they had life skills; and
WHEREAS, Under his leadership, RTP became successful in placing minor-
ities, men and women in both trade and corporate positions, in approxi-
mately 100 cities throughout the United States; and
WHEREAS, During his time as National Executive Director, RTP was
recognized as a key entity in the overall United States Labor growth for
minority workers; and
WHEREAS, President Carter acknowledged Bill and RTP for their notewor-
thy role in improving the outlook for minorities joining the workforce

throughout the country; as a result of Bill's leadership and vision,
minorities entered the workforce and made significant advancements in
the labor force; and
WHEREAS, In 1981, Bill Ross started William M. Ross & Associates, a
management consulting firm which successfully obtained major contracts
with the city and state, one of which led him to consult on an educa-
tional project with the City University of New York; and
WHEREAS, In 1989, Bill Ross was offered the prestigious post of Direc-
tor of the Research Foundation and Continuing Education Programs at
Bronx Community College; while there, he continued his passion for help-
ing students develop the proper skills required for career opportu-
nities; and
WHEREAS, An entrepreneur at heart, Bill created The Ross Consultant
Group, Inc. in 1996 along with his children; he assisted corporations
with their operational strategies; up until six months before his death,
he was still advising and managing business activities from his home
office; and
WHEREAS, Not letting his illness interfere with his passion for busi-
ness, Bill Ross was an active member of the Harlem community; he was
appointed to serve on the Axelrod Management Scholarship Committee for
Delano Village; he also served on several Boards over the years, provid-
ing insight to colleagues on a vast array of community and corporate
governance issues; and
WHEREAS, Bill Ross was a member of Mother A.M.E. Zion Church, a Trus-
tee, and sang on the church's historical Cathedral Choir; he enjoyed
entertaining family and friends, he loved cooking and he absolutely
loved discussing politics; and
WHEREAS, His overall greatest achievement in life is his legacy;
affectionately called "Pop Pop", he took such pride in each one of his
five amazing grandchildren; he was everything a grandfather should be,
silly, affectionate, doting and loving; and
WHEREAS, William M. Ross was an outstanding father not only to his
children but to many of the young men and women in the Harlem community;
he loved and appreciated each one that crossed his path; and
WHEREAS, William M. Ross distinguished himself in his profession and
by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of
his community; and
WHEREAS, William M. Ross's commitment to excellence, and his spirit of
humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including charita-
ble and civic endeavors; and
.SO DOC S R3429 RESO TEXT 2013
WHEREAS, Predeceased by six siblings, Robie Ross, Jr., Dorothy Batche-
lor, John Lewis Ross, Joseph Ross, Fred Ross, and Alvin Ross, William M.
Ross is survived by his wife of 42 years, Sibyl; his devoted children,
Marc (Pamela) Ross, and Nicole (Frederick) Myrie; his loving grandchil-
dren, Christian Jefferson Ross, Gabrielle Nicole Ross, Jordan Ross
Myrie, Jared Fernandez Myrie and Justin Eugene Myrie; three sisters,
Farris Fowler, Gloria Whitfield, and Sarah Bonner; and a brother, Quin-
ton T. Ross, Sr.; as well as a host of devoted nieces, nephews, cousins,
friends, RTP family, and church members; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, William M. Ross leaves behind a legacy which will long
endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all
he served and befriended; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
celebrate of the life of William McKinley Ross, distinguished citizen
and devoted member of his community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of William M. Ross.