LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION paying tribute to the life and accomplishments of
Marie Christopher, a true civic leader and devoted member of her commu-
nity

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize those
individuals of preeminent character whose lives have exemplified the
highest ideals of humanity and whose lifework and civic endeavor have
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Marie Christopher passed away on January 16, 2013, and is
survived by her two sons, Melvin Jones and Don Jones; and
WHEREAS, Marie Christopher is mourned not just by her family and
friends but the entire community of the Lower East Side, as she was a
beloved and respected community leader with a decades-long record of
fighting for affordable and sustainable housing and economic justice in
Manhattan's Lower East Side; and
WHEREAS, In her dedication to volunteering and leadership, Marie
Christopher was the tenant president at 210 Stanton Street, a subsidized
housing complex which she called home, where she strived to convey the
importance of neighborhood unison through dedicated mentorship, support,
inspiration and challenging one another; and
WHEREAS, Holding herself and others to the highest standards in gener-
osity of the heart and spirit, Marie Christopher fought diligently for
tenants' rights and affordable housing for over 15 years, including but
not limited to being a member of Tenants & Neighbors' Board of Directors
and HUD Tenant Leadership Committee; and
WHEREAS, Actively involved in a membership with Good Old Lower East
Side, the National Alliance of HUD Tenants, Marie Christopher was a
tough person to contend with and was a committed organizer, often acting
as chairperson for Tenant Union meetings, which, in turn, provided a
platform for gatherers to achieve real power and combat aggressive
neighborhood displacement; and
WHEREAS, Marie Christopher enriched the lives of countless New Yorkers
through her passion, hard work and ingenuity, and will always be remem-
bered for her ability to empower and better her community; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Marie Christopher leaves behind a legacy which will long
endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all
she served and befriended; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to pay
tribute to the life and accomplishments of Marie Christopher, a true
tenant activist and civic leader; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to GOLES, Tenants & Neighbors' Board of Directors, HUD Tenant
Leadership Committee and the family of Marie Christopher.