Senate Resolution No. 1567

BY: Senator PARKER

COMMENDING Wimberly Edwards upon the occasion of
being named a Legacy Honoree by the National
Association of University Women, Brooklyn Branch, on
June 8, 2019

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
honor those distinguished citizens who would devote their life's work
and purpose to community service, contributing to the welfare of the
citizens of their communities and this great 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 Wimberly Edwards upon the occasion of being named a Legacy
Honoree by the National Association of University Women, Brooklyn
Branch, to be celebrated at its 65th Anniversary Scholarship and Awards
Brunch on Saturday, June 8, 2019, at Top Civic Center, Brooklyn; and

WHEREAS, Wimberly Edwards will receive this auspicious award in
recognition of her 50 or more years of steadfast and unwavering service
to the Brooklyn Branch of the National Association of University Women;
and

WHEREAS, Founded in 1910 and incorporated in 1924, the mission of
the National Association of University Women (NAUW) is to serve women,
youth and the disadvantaged in the communities of this nation, as well
as in developing countries, by addressing educational issues, advancing
the status of women's issues, and strategically partnering with allied
organizations; and

WHEREAS, Wimberly Edwards has been a member of the NAUW Brooklyn
Branch for more than 50 years and continues to be an active member,
counselor and advisor; she has kindly shared her home for many years to
host meetings in her "green room" as a gracious, witty hostess, and she
is currently serving as the organization's meticulous Financial
Secretary; and

WHEREAS, With an extensive educational background and decades of
service to her community, Wimberly Edwards received her Bachelor of
Science degree in Occupational Therapy from New York University in 1956;
she went on to earn a Master's degree in Occupational Therapy from
Boston University in 1973; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, driven by her lifelong love of Occupational
Therapy, Wimberly Edwards attended higher education courses at Boston
University, New York University, Ohio State University and the
University of Pennsylvania; and

WHEREAS, Following her undergraduate and graduate studies, Wimberly
Edwards taught Occupational Therapy at several institutions; she was a
Clinical Instructor at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, an
Instructor at Downstate Medical Center, and Associate Professor at York
College, City University of New York; and

WHEREAS, Fiercely proud of her African-American heritage and
Southern roots, Wimberly Edwards was a Co-Founder of the National Black
O.T. Caucus, as well as the New York State Black O.T. Caucus; she has
served on the Board for the Education of People of African Ancestry
since 1970, and is on the Executive Board for the Elders House in Selma,
Alabama, where she travels every year; and

WHEREAS, In addition, she was instrumental in the founding of one of
the first College Fairs in Brooklyn, which is still hosted each November
at the Bedford Central Presbyterian Church; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by
individuals for the benefit of others which Wimberly Edwards has
displayed throughout her life; and

WHEREAS, It has always been the objective of this Legislative Body
to honor and support those individuals who have displayed their
commitment to the betterment of their communities, and it is the intent
of this Legislative Body to inscribe upon its records, this tribute to
Wimberly Edwards, that future generations may know and appreciate her
admirable character, her many benevolent deeds, and the respect and
esteem in which she is held by her peers; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Wimberly Edwards upon the occasion of being named a Legacy
Honoree by the National Association of University Women, Brooklyn
Branch; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Wimberly Edwards.