Senate Resolution No. 1741

BY: Senator PARKER

MOURNING the death of Colin A. Moore, prominent
Caribbean attorney, civil rights leader and
distinguished citizen

WHEREAS, There are certain outstanding members of our community who,
through their selfless commitment and dedication, have served to better
the quality of life in our community and have had a measurable positive
impact on the lives of its residents; Colin A. Moore was one such
individual; and

WHEREAS, It is with great sorrow and deep regret that this
Legislative Body records the passing of Colin A. Moore, noting the
significance of his purposeful life and accomplishments; and

WHEREAS, Colin A. Moore of Brooklyn, New York, died on Sunday,
January 9, 2022, at the age of 80; and

WHEREAS, Born in Auchlyne Village, Corentyne Coast, Berbice, Guyana,
on April 24, 1941, Colin A. Moore earned his Bachelor of Science degree
with honors in economics from the University of West Indies (UWI); upon
his return to his native land, he was appointed executive director of
the National History and Culture Council in 1964; and

WHEREAS, In this capacity, Colin A. Moore diligently worked to have
February 23rd, the date of the Berbice Slave Rebellion, declared a
national holiday, and to have Kofi, the leader of the Berbice Slave
Rebellion, designated as Guyana's first national hero; and

WHEREAS, In 1970, Colin A. Moore migrated to New York, and received
his Jurist Doctor degree from Brooklyn Law School in June of 1978; in
February of 1979, he was admitted to the New York State Bar; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his esteemed law career, Colin A. Moore served
as a civic-minded proponent for justice, especially as a patriot for his
native land of Guyana, who dedicated his life to the service of others;
and

WHEREAS, Colin A. Moore took on many high-profile cases in New York,
and is perhaps best known for his role as attorney for Korey Wise, one
of the "Central Park Five" suspects, who was falsely accused, prosecuted
and falsely convicted for the rape and assault of a white woman in
Central Park in Manhattan; 30 years later, they were all exonerated
after spending many years in prison and a Netflix miniseries, "When They
See Us" revisited the true story of the five young men who were wrongly
convicted; and

WHEREAS, After 15 years practicing law, Colin A. Moore pursued his
many other passions; he obtained a Master of Divinity degree from New
York Theological Seminary, was appointed a Congressional Aide to retired
United States Congressman Edolphus "Ed" Towns, and taught Constitutional
Law at Brooklyn College; and

WHEREAS, Colin A. Moore was also a writer for the New York-based
Carib News, among other publications, and was a frequent analyst on
television and radio; and

WHEREAS, In addition to these pursuits, Colin A. Moore became
actively involved with politics and co-founded the Freedom Party; he
also led several New York organizations including the Caribbean Action
Lobby, Marcus Garvey Political Club, and the Jamaica, Queens branch of
the National Association for the Jamaica, Queens branch of the National
Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), the oldest
and largest civil rights organization in the United States; and

WHEREAS, Colin A. Moore is survived by his wife, Ela, and their
children, as well as numerous friends and colleagues who will long
cherish his memory; and

WHEREAS, A devoted husband and father, Colin A. Moore's name is
synonymous with character, dignity, intellect, depth, and humor,
qualities evident to his family and to all those who were fortunate
enough to have known him; he will be deeply missed and truly merits the
grateful tribute of this Legislative Body; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Colin A. Moore, prominent Caribbean attorney, civil
rights leader and distinguished citizen; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Colin A. Moore.