LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim March 2015 as Black Angels Month in the State of New York,
recognizing the courage and dedication of the "Black Angels" who
answered the call of nursing duty

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, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of certain
extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their valued
contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly
acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among
us all; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, it is the sense of this Legislative Body to memori-
alize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim March 2015 as Black Angels
Month in the State of New York, recognizing the courage and dedication
of the "Black Angels" who answered the call of nursing duty; and
WHEREAS, The Black Angels were so named due to their bold willingness
to provide desperately needed care to tuberculosis patients; and
WHEREAS, The Black Angels and their families became active members of
the NAACP, neighborhood churches, and community groups; they became
founding members of the Lincoln Hospital Alumni Association, the Urban
League Guild and the Women's Civic and Political Union; and
WHEREAS, The Black Angels are comprised of approximately 300 nurses,
including Stiversa A. Bethel, Martha Lyles, Jane Price, Mamie Shumate,
Flossie Evans, Georgia Hayden, Annie Bostick, Kate Gillespie, Edna
Sutton Ballard, Americus Sutton, Virginia Allen, Viola Anderson, and
Annie B. Smith; and
WHEREAS, In 1984, the first health care museum in New York State was
named for Black Angel, Stiversa A. Bethel; and
WHEREAS, The Black Angels have played a significant role in the devel-
opment of new drugs called isoniazids, which aid in the arrest of tuber-
culosis and in subsequent recovery; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a
long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned the
recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim March 2015 as Black
Angels Month in the State of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York.