Senate Resolution No. 1592

BY: Senator COMRIE

HONORING Laure J. Banks upon the occasion of her
designation for special recognition by the National
Council of Negro Women, Inc., Queens County, on June
2, 2019

WHEREAS, The unity of our State and Nation is built upon the
compassion of individuals such as Laure J. Banks who uphold the values
of community life and who, through their great actions, epitomize the
best of humanity; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Laure J.
Banks upon the occasion of her designation for special recognition by
the National Council of Negro Women, Inc., Queens County, to be
celebrated at its 32nd Annual Black & White Awards Banquet: "Women's
Empowerment, Legacy, Reclamation and Renewal" on Sunday, June 2, 2019,
at Antun's, Queens Village, New York; and

WHEREAS, Laure J. Banks received a Bachelor of Arts degree in
Psychology from the College of New Rochelle; she went on to earn a
Master of Public Administration degree from the Metropolitan College of
New York, and a Master of Art degree in Christian Counseling from
Alliance Graduate School of Counseling, Nyack College; and

WHEREAS, After a 27-year career as a Computer Specialist for the
City of New York, Laure J. Banks found her true passion and has since
dedicated her life to the empowerment of women and children; she began
as a Social Worker at Children's Village in Dobbs Ferry, before working
as a Therapist for children ages 4-21 at Kingsbridge Community Center;
and

WHEREAS, Laure J. Banks currently serves as Program Director at
Allen Women's Resource Center, a temporary communal environment
providing a safe haven for female victims of domestic violence and their
minor children; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to her
community, Laure J. Banks has also given tirelessly of her time and
energies to Not On My Watch, New York State Coalition Against Human
Trafficking and CONNECT-Safe Families, Peaceful Communities; and

WHEREAS, Laure J. Banks is a faithful and dedicated member of the
Greater Allen A.M.E. Cathedral of New York, where she currently serves
on the Joint Board of Officers, Women's Ministry, Hospitality Ministry,
and as an Advisor to the Circle of Healing Ministry and Haven for
Healing Ministry, as well as a facilitator for Grief Share for
Children's Ministry; and

WHEREAS, With her throughout have been her son, Thomas, and four
grandchildren, who have all shown her love and support and rejoice in
her many achievements; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an
individual for the benefit of others which Laure J. Banks 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
Laure J. Banks, 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
honor Laure J. Banks upon the occasion of her designation for special
recognition by the National Council of Negro Women, Inc., Queens County,
on June 2, 2019; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Laure J. Banks.