LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION paying tribute to the distinguished life and
career of renowned trailblazer Estella B. Diggs, first African-American
woman from the Bronx elected to serve as a member of the New York State
Assembly

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and pay
just tribute to those exceptional individuals who, throughout their
notable careers and extraordinary lives, embodied the true American
spirit, attaining unprecedented success and achievement through personal
courage, integrity and dedicated effort; Estella B. Diggs was one such
individual; and
WHEREAS, The former New York State Assemblywoman who represented the
Morrisania section in the Bronx, New York, died on Thursday, April 18,
2013, at the age of 96; she would have been 97 years old on April 21,
2013; and
WHEREAS, Born in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1916, Estella B. Diggs moved
to the Bronx in 1931, and lived in Morrisania, where she attended grade
school; she then attended City College of New York, before going to work
in the field of marketing; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, Estella B. Diggs wrote for the AMSTERDAM NEWS
newspaper and raised three wonderful children, Edward, Lawrence and
Joyce, before beginning her career in politics; and
WHEREAS, Estella B. Diggs was first elected to the New York State
Assembly in 1972, and served four terms in Albany, representing her
beloved Bronx community; and
WHEREAS, Affectionately known to many as "The Lady" due to her digni-
fied manner, Estella B. Diggs fought for the Bronx when it was burning;
and
WHEREAS, Assemblywoman Estella B. Diggs was known for her tireless
work on behalf of women, infants, and children, as well as her commit-
ment to the constituents throughout her community; and
WHEREAS, As a young woman, Estella B. Diggs advocated for the home-
less, started a cooking program for unwed mothers, and campaigned for
civil rights; after retiring from politics, she was active in her church
and worked tirelessly as a community volunteer for many years; and
WHEREAS, In 2011, the Estella Diggs Park in Morrisania was named in
her honor; this Bronx pocket park is a fitting tribute to the lifelong
dedication Estella B. Diggs gave to her community; and
WHEREAS, Her devotion to public service and her commitment to family,
friends and community transcends the passing of Estella B. Diggs and
remains as a legacy of remembrance, and a lasting inspiration for
others; she will be deeply missed by many; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to pay
tribute to the distinguished life and career of renowned trailblazer
Estella B. Diggs, to salute her accomplishments in bettering her commu-
nity, and to express its deepest condolences to her family; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Estella B. Diggs.