Senate Resolution No. 5309

BY: Senator PARKER

CELEBRATING the life and accomplishments of Sonny
Abubadika Carson on May 20, 2018

WHEREAS, From time to time we take note of certain individuals whom
we wish to recognize for their valued contributions and to publicly
acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among
us all; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to celebrate the life
and accomplishments of Sonny Abubadika Carson at an event on Sunday, May
20, 2018; and

WHEREAS, December 20, 2017, marked the 15th Anniversary of the death
of Sonny Abubadika Carson, widely recognized as one of the most
courageous and gifted Black Liberation fighters in Brooklyn, New York;
his reputation spanned across the United States and Africa; and

WHEREAS, Sonny Abubadika Carson was an "Original O.G." whose
consciousness and leadership put him on the front lines of literally
every battle that actually concerned the interest and human rights of
Black people; a student of Malcolm X and founder of the "School of
Common Sense," he developed a sharp street knowledge of the pulse and
demands of the Black community; and

WHEREAS, This remarkable man was instrumental and in front of many
issues including the battle for community control of public schools; the
Civil Rights Movement, he chaired the Brooklyn Congress of Racial
Equality; the fight against police brutality; the right to have Black
elected officials; closing the crack house, he chaired Black Men's
Movement Against Crack; the Korean store boycott; the Days of Outrage;
and the fight for the African Burial Ground, he founded the Committee to
Honor Black Heroes; and

WHEREAS, In honor of Sonny Abubadika Carson, various streets were
co-named after him and a campaign has been initiated to rename a stretch
of Gates Avenue in Bedford-Stuyvesant in his legacy; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens
of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
celebrate the life and accomplishments of Sonny Abubadika Carson on May
20, 2018; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Sonny Abubadika Carson.