Senate Resolution No. 2581

BY: Senator PARKER

COMMENDING the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce upon
the occasion of hosting its 2020 Black History
Celebration on February 4, 2020

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
important events which remind us of the rich and diverse heritage of our
great State and Nation; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce upon the occasion of hosting
its 2020 Black History Celebration on February 4, 2020, to be held at
the Billie Holiday Theatre at Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration, Brooklyn,
New York; and

WHEREAS, The Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce will be saluting the work
of outstanding African American business and community leaders who have
made significant contributions to the great Borough of Brooklyn; and

WHEREAS, The 2020 Black History Celebration will pay special tribute
to the co-Founders of the MWBE Committee, Samuel Dunstan from National
Allotment Insurance Agency, and Bill Howell from Howell Industries; and

WHEREAS, In addition, the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce will name an
annual award, the Business Excellence Award, in Samuel Dunstan's name;
other award recipients include Dr. Roy Hastick of the Caribbean-American
Chamber of Commerce and Lillian Bowman of Lillian's Professional
Services; and

WHEREAS, Black History Month, previously known as Negro History
Week, was founded by Dr. Carter G. Woodson, and was first celebrated on
February 1, 1926; since 1976, it has become a nationally recognized
month-long celebration, held each year during the month of February to
acknowledge and pay tribute to African-Americans neglected by both
society and the history books; and

WHEREAS, Black History Month is a time to reflect on the struggles
and victories of African-Americans throughout our country's history and
to recognize their numerous valuable contributions to the protection of
our democratic society in war and in peace; 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 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
commend the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce upon the occasion of hosting
its 2020 Black History Celebration on February 4, 2020; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce.