Assembly Resolution No. 415

BY: M. of A. Finch

COMMENDING the Auburn/Cayuga Branch of the
National Association for the Advancement of Colored
People upon the occasion of hosting its 50th
Anniversary Freedom Fund Gala on May 12, 2017

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to honor those
enduring organizations which devote their purposeful energies to
improving the quality and dignity of life of those they serve, to
preserving their heritage, and to fostering cultural pride; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend the Auburn/Cayuga Branch of the National Association for the
Advancement of Colored People upon the occasion of hosting its 50th
Anniversary Freedom Fund Gala on Friday, May 12, 2017, at the Springside
Inn, Fleming, New York; and

WHEREAS, Founded in 1909, the National Association for the
Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is the largest and oldest civil
rights organization in the Nation; its history is one of activism and
relentless advocacy for safeguarding the rights of African-Americans and
other minority groups; from championing voter registration and economic
empowerment to demanding equity in education, the NAACP has waged a
tireless fight to ensure the civil rights of all Americans; and

WHEREAS, The Auburn/Cayuga Branch of the NAACP has been serving the
county for more than 70 years; and

WHEREAS, Remaining true to its mission, the Auburn/Cayuga Branch of
the NAACP ensures the political, educational, social and economic
equality of minority citizens; in addition, this vital organization has
been extraordinarily committed to eliminating racial prejudice and to
educating the public of the adverse effects of racial discrimination;
and

WHEREAS, The NAACP Freedom Fund began nationally in 1953, as a 10
year program to intensify efforts to complete the job of emancipation;
for the past 50 years, the Freedom Fund of the Auburn/Cayuga NAACP has
made a tremendous impact in its community; and

WHEREAS, Under the able leadership of its President, Eliezer
Hernandez, the Auburn/Cayuga Branch of the NAACP has awarded $22,600 in
scholarships to graduating students of color from Cayuga County since
2007; and

WHEREAS, The Auburn/Cayuga Branch of the NAACP has also assisted 40
students with college stipends, and in 2016, awarded four students with
college stipends; and

WHEREAS, The Auburn/Cayuga Branch of the NAACP set forth as their
primary goal for the year 2017, to provide 10 students with $500 college
assistance stipends; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, this vital organization awarded 120 eighth
grade students with an average of 85% or better from Auburn Junior High
School with the PROMISE AWARD; the branch renewed its commitment to the
PROMISE AWARD recipients in 2010, by providing the students with a
one-year membership to the Youth Chapter of the NAACP; and

WHEREAS, In recognition of African American Pioneers in Auburn, the
NAACP recognizes outstanding community members for continuing the work
necessary to move the community forward; the Auburn/Cayuga Branch of the
NAACP, the Auburn City Manager and Chief of Police hold discussions
directed toward improving relationships among local community members
and city officials; and

WHEREAS, Over its distinguished history, the Auburn/Cayuga Branch of
the NAACP has demonstrated continuous service to the residents and
communities which it so ably serves; and

WHEREAS, The success of the Auburn/Cayuga Branch of the NAACP is in
direct correlation to the efforts of its members, whose involvement is,
and always has been, characterized by an impressive commitment, an
unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of excellence in
all endeavors on behalf of the organization and the community it serves;
and

WHEREAS, This auspicious occasion presents an opportunity for this
Legislative Body to recognize and pay tribute to the Auburn/Cayuga
Branch of the NAACP; and

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

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the Auburn/Cayuga Branch of the National Association for the
Advancement of Colored People upon the occasion of hosting its 50th
Anniversary Freedom Fund Gala on May 12, 2017 ; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Auburn/Cayuga Branch of the National Association for
the Advancement of Colored People.