Senate Resolution No. 4309

BY: Senator STEWART-COUSINS

COMMENDING the Westchester Martin Luther King, Jr.
Institute for Nonviolence upon the occasion of
celebrating its 30th Anniversary on May 10, 2018

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize that
the quality and character of life in the communities across New York
State are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those
organizations and individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare
of the community and its citizenry; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend the Westchester Martin Luther King, Jr. Institute for
Nonviolence upon the occasion of its 30th Anniversary to be celebrated
at a Gala on Thursday, May 10, 2018, at the Women's Club of White
Plains, New York; and

WHEREAS, The Westchester Martin Luther King, Jr. (MLK) Institute for
Nonviolence was founded in 1987, to address growing race-based violence
and anti-Semitic attacks throughout Westchester County; since its
inception, it has diligently worked to advance racial equity for all its
communities by educating youth and adults in nonviolent engagement for
justice; and

WHEREAS, Inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Civil
Rights Movement, this vital organization encourages individuals to lead
a peaceful, nonviolent life; and

WHEREAS, For the last three decades, the Westchester MLK Institute
for Nonviolence has demonstrated the benefits of using nonaggressive
methods to bring about positive results through various programs
including conflict resolution courses in Ossining schools,
counter-military recruitment to local schools and church groups, an
annual "Ending Violence, Building Hope" conference at Manhattanville
College to establish open dialogue between law enforcement officers and
young people; and

WHEREAS, In addition, the Westchester Martin Luther King, Jr.
Freedom Library offers unique and inspiring books to people of all ages,
as well as special programs for children and youth; and

WHEREAS, The Westchester MLK Institute for Nonviolence works with
many organizations throughout Westchester County, particularly
collaborating with the Westchester Coalition for Police Reform and the
Interfaith Connection on events and programs to emphasize dialogue and
community organizing to effect sustainable change; and

WHEREAS, The Westchester MLK Institute truly believes nonviolence
grows both through resistance to injustice and in the hearts of
individuals, and creates ripples of influence and change as it is
practiced in daily living; the Institute celebrates organizations which
reflect the ethic of nonviolence through the impact of their community

work in social justice and advocacy at its Annual Celebration of
Champions; and

WHEREAS, For 30 years, the Westchester MLK Institute for Nonviolence
has strived to create safe spaces in its communities which empower youth
and adults, and support inclusiveness, courage and peace; through
collaborative relationships, this vital organization advocates for
justice, equity and shared power for all; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those
organizations which 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
commend the Westchester Martin Luther King, Jr. Institute for
Nonviolence upon the occasion of celebrating its 30th Anniversary on May
10, 2018; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Westchester Martin Luther King, Jr. Institute for
Nonviolence.