Senate Resolution No. 2200

BY: Senator BRESLIN

COMMENDING Paul and Mary Liz Stewart upon the
occasion of their designation for special
recognition by the African American Cultural Center
of the Capital Region, Inc. on September 27, 2019

WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of
certain extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their
valued contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly
acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among
us all; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Paul and
Mary Liz Stewart upon the occasion of their designation for special
recognition by the African American Cultural Center of the Capital
Region, Inc. to be celebrated at its 1st Annual Gala on Friday,
September 27, 2019, at Treviso by Mallozzi's in Albany, New York; and

WHEREAS, Paul and Mary Liz Stewart are being honored for their
tireless efforts to further the Center's mission of strengthening
communities by fostering unity, self-determination, cooperative
economics, collective work, and creativity; and

WHEREAS, Paul and Mary Liz Stewart are independent researchers and
co-founders of Underground Railroad History Project of the Capital
Region, Inc. a public history organization dedicated to preserving local
Underground Railroad history in its national and international context
and its relationship with us today, highlighting the participation of
African American abolitionists and freedom seekers; and

WHEREAS, In 2009, Paul and Mary Liz Stewart were appointed
Scholars-in-Residence at Russell Sage College for their research which
has contributed to a paradigm shift in the understanding of the impact
of this historic movement in the history of New York State and the
Nation; and

WHEREAS, For the past 18 years, this hard working couple has
organized an annual public conference on the Underground Railroad, and
for 20 years, they have led walking tours in both Albany and Troy,
spoken to numerous groups, published numerous articles, and were
instrumental in the creation of DVD educational materials; and

WHEREAS, In addition, Paul and Mary Liz Stewart have raised
significant funds for the preservation work of The Stephen and Harriet
Myers Residence, an award-winning Underground Railroad site which is on
the National Register of Historic Places, on the National Park Service
Network to Freedom, one of 26 sites on the NYS Underground Railroad
Heritage Trail, and an invited member of The International Coalition of
Sites of Conscience; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
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 Paul and Mary Liz Stewart upon the occasion of their designation
for special recognition by the African American Cultural Center of the
Capital Region, Inc. on September 27, 2019; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Paul and Mary Liz Stewart.