Assembly Resolution No. 729

BY: M. of A. Hyndman

MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim
January 2020, as Peace Month in the State of New
York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
official months that are set aside to increase awareness of important
issues that affect the lives of citizens of New York State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim January 2020, as Peace
Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of
the 10th Annual New York Peace Week; and

WHEREAS, The goal of Peace Week is to inspire youth and communities
to create a culture of peace, and continue the fight against gun
violence by honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy through a
myriad of events from January 15-22, 2020; and

WHEREAS, Born on January 15, 1929, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
fought unrelentingly for the civil rights of all Americans and taught us
that through non-violence courage displaces fear, love transforms hate,
acceptance dissipates prejudice and mutual regard cancels enmity; and

WHEREAS, According to Gun Violence Archive, 39,409 American lives
were cut short by gun violence in 2019; and

WHEREAS, The New York Times reports that as of July 28, 2019, 521
people had been shot in New York City, in 441 shooting incidents, and
7,885 violent crimes were committed with firearms throughout the State
of New York, more than 4,200 of which were in New York City's five
boroughs; and

WHEREAS, Peace Month and Week encourages New Yorkers to make peace
part of their everyday lives; show gratitude to others on a daily basis;
stop, think, smile and breathe before they do things; take personal
responsibility for their actions and how they impact others; give back
to others and their community; and continues these things past Peace
Week to make Peace a Lifestyle 365 Days of the Year; and

WHEREAS, Our nation is a symbol of democracy, peace, freedom and
justice born out of the many men and women who have fought for and died
to preserve it; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim January 2020, as Peace
Month in the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of
New York.