Senate Resolution No. 2917

BY: Senator STEWART-COUSINS

COMMEMORATING the induction of four new inductees
into the New York State Senate's Historical Women of
Distinction 2020 exhibit

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge and
celebrate individuals and events of historic significance which add
vitality, sensitivity, understanding and inspiration to the diversity
and value of the people of this great Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Women of every economic, ethnic and religious background
have made significant contributions that are reflected in our cultural,
social, educational, industrial and economic diversity, and have
contributed in many ways, including as writers, educators, scientists,
heads of state, politicians, civil rights crusaders, artists,
entertainers, businesswomen, military personnel, aviators,
entrepreneurs, philanthropists, health professionals, engineers,
religious leaders, judges, lawyers, law enforcement personnel, athletes,
mothers, nurturers and the building blocks of our communities; and

WHEREAS, It is the purpose of this Legislative Body to induct four
new honorees for the year 2020: the first U.S. citizen to be canonized
and the patron saint of immigrants St. Francis Xavier Cabrini
(1859-1917); jazz legend Billie Holiday (1915-1959); environmental
advocate and woodswoman Anne LaBastille (1933-2011); and social activist
and poet Audre Lorde (1934-1992); and

WHEREAS, Women who have become part of New York's lasting heritage
by fighting against stereotypes, prejudice and seemingly insurmountable
obstacles, include: Sojourner Truth (1797-1883), former slave and famous
activist; Harriet Tubman (1820-1913), best-known "conductor" of the
Underground Railroad and promoter of black education and women's rights;
suffragettes Susan B. Anthony (1820-1906) and Elizabeth Cady Stanton
(1815-1902); world renowned folk artist Grandma Moses (1860-1961); famed
reporter Nellie Bly (1867-1922); Sybil Ludington (1761-1839), known as
the "female Paul Revere"; Barbara McClintock (1901-1992), Nobel
Prize-winning genetic scientist; and "First Lady of the World," Eleanor
Roosevelt (1884-1962); and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body recognizes that New York State is the
home to countless women who are strong and colorful threads, vital to
the fabric of our rich heritage, who have contributed, and continue to
add to the advancement of our culture through their traditional and
non-traditional roles in society; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the induction of four new inductees into the New York State
Senate's Historical Women of Distinction 2020 exhibit; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the National Women's Hall of Fame and the New York State
Division for Women.