Assembly Resolution No. 591

BY: M. of A. Buttenschon

COMMENDING the Rome Branch of the NAACP upon the
occasion of hosting its 21st Annual Freedom Dinner
on October 12, 2019

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
pay tribute to those enduring organizations which devote their
purposeful energies to improving the quality and dignity of life of
those they serve, to preserving their heritage, and to fostering pride
among them; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend the Rome Branch of the NAACP upon the occasion of hosting its
21st Annual Freedom Dinner on Saturday, October 12, 2019; and

WHEREAS, The oldest and largest civil rights organization, the NAACP
was founded in 1909, in New York City by a group of black and white
citizens committed to improving the quality of life for
African-Americans; and

WHEREAS, Among the early leaders of the NAACP was W.E.B. DuBois, who
helped establish the Niagara Movement in 1905; other early members
included Ida B. Wells, Archibald Grimke, Henry Moskowitz, Mary White
Ovington, Oswald Garrison Villard and William English Walling; and

WHEREAS, Today, the NAACP diligently works to ensure the political,
educational, social and economic equality of rights of all persons and
to eliminate racial hatred and racial discrimination; it has over
500,000 members, 1,700 branch chapters and 450 college and youth
chapters; and

WHEREAS, The Rome Branch was founded in 1972, and its first
President was Roy Goodman; throughout its 47 year history, this vital
organization has provided its community with numerous activities such as
movie nights, children's reading programs, high school senior night, and
Martin Luther King Jr. events; and

WHEREAS, Staying true to its mission to fight for the equality of
all citizens, this vital organization has denounced KKK activity in
Rome, worked with the police force to undergo diversity training,
provided scholarships to high school students planning to attend
college, and strived to ensure all children have access to education;
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 the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the Rome Branch of the NAACP upon the occasion of hosting its
21st Annual Freedom Dinner on October 12, 2019; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Rome Branch of the NAACP.