Senate Resolution No. 413

BY: Senator HOYLMAN

COMMENDING Ravi Ragbir upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of a Liberty Medal, the
highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the New
York State Senate

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
pay tribute to those individuals within the Empire State who have made
strong contributions to their communities and who inspire others through
their model citizenry; and

WHEREAS, Ravi Ragbir has given not only of his time and energies but
also of his competence, intelligence and leadership and consequently has
been designated for special honor; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Ravi
Ragbir upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of a Liberty
Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the New York
State Senate; and

WHEREAS, The New York State Senate Liberty Medal was established by
Resolution and is awarded to individuals who have merited special
commendation for exceptional, heroic, or humanitarian acts on behalf of
their fellow New Yorkers; and

WHEREAS, In February of 1991, Ravi Ragbir immigrated to the United
States from Trinidad on a visitor's visa; three years later, he received
his green card, becoming a lawful permanent resident; and

WHEREAS, As a vital part of the Trinidadian and Indian diaspora,
Ravi Ragbir has devoted much of his life serving as an advocate for his
fellow immigrants; he has volunteered his time and energy training
community organizers and elected officials and speaking to various
places of worship about serious immigration issues such as deportation;
and

WHEREAS, Ravi Ragbir served as Chair of the Board of Directors for
Families for Freedom, and in 2010, he became a full-time organizer for
the New Sanctuary Coalition, an immigrant's rights organization based in
New York City; an interfaith network of congregations, organizations,
and individuals, it stands publicly in solidarity with families and
communities resisting detention and deportation; and

WHEREAS, In addition, this nationally recognized leader in
immigration rights has met with Congress and testified in front of the
New York City Council to discuss deportation and detention policy; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an
individual for the benefit of others which Ravi Ragbir has displayed
throughout his life; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals 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 Ravi Ragbir upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of
a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the
New York State Senate; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Ravi Ragbir.