Senate Resolution No. 3973

BY: Senator MONTGOMERY

COMMENDING Dr. Mildred Clarke upon the occasion of
her retirement after 19 years of dedicated service
to the Brooklyn Community Services Board of
Directors

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge the
significant milestones in the distinguished careers of esteemed
residents of this noble Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend Dr. Mildred Clarke upon the occasion of her retirement after 19
years of dedicated service to the Brooklyn Community Services Board of
Directors, celebrated with a Brunch on Saturday, August 5, 2017, BKW by
Brooklyn Winery, Brooklyn, New York; and

WHEREAS, A lifelong resident of Prospect Heights, Brooklyn, Mildred
Clarke is a graduate of the New York City public school system; driven
by a work ethic she attributes to her working-class parents, she went on
to become one of only six women to earn a degree from Howard University
Medical School; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Mildred Clarke began her pioneering gynecologic
practice in 1970, with evening hours to accommodate working women; and

WHEREAS, Throughout her illustrious four decade medical career, Dr.
Mildred Clarke delivered more than 5,000 babies, before retiring in
2001; and

WHEREAS, This extraordinary woman has dedicated her life and purpose
to discovering the potential in others, raising consciousness, and
mentoring new leaders; in addition to serving the Brooklyn community,
she has given tirelessly of her time and energies on countless medical
missions around the world; and

WHEREAS, In 1999, Dr. Mildred Clarke joined the Brooklyn Community
Services (BCS) Board of Directors with the goal of tackling the stubborn
issues of poverty in her home community; as an active Board member, she
has helped BCS better inform Brooklyn's multiracial professional class
of its important mission and work; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast commitment to those who lack the voice to
speak, Dr. Mildred Clarke has spent the past three years focused on
BCS's shelter for homeless women with mental disorders; furthermore,
each February she supports a graduation ceremony for those who
transition back to permanent housing; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Mildred Clarke has also mentored young women through
the American Association of University Women; and

WHEREAS, Today, Dr. Mildred Clarke leads her church's medical
missions to the Mississippi Delta, where she helps communities address
such staggering health issues as chronic obesity and diabetes; and


WHEREAS, Dr. Mildred Clarke should be regarded as a true
humanitarian; she has continually devoted herself to public service,
demonstrating great courage and diligence in providing for the care and
welfare of the citizens of this great Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Within every community of the State of New York there are
certain individuals who, by virtue of their commitment and dedication,
command the respect and admiration of their community for their
exemplary contributions and service on behalf of others; Dr. Mildred
Clarke is one such individual; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the occurrence of such a compassionate
blending of strength, leadership, intellect, and commitment as that
demonstrated by Dr. Mildred Clarke over a lifetime of sacrifice and
dedication to others; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Dr. Mildred Clarke upon the occasion of her retirement after 19
years of distinguished service to the Brooklyn Community Services Board
of Directors; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Dr. Mildred Clarke.