Senate Resolution No. 451

BY: Senator COMRIE

CONGRATULATING Charles Lucas upon the occasion of
celebrating his 102nd Birthday

WHEREAS, Senior citizens bring a wealth of experience and knowledge
to the increasingly active roles they play today; their past
contributions and future participation are a vital part of, and asset
to, the fabric of community life and activity; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to commemorate
and recognize certain milestones celebrated by citizens of this great
Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
congratulate Charles Lucas upon the occasion of his 102nd Birthday to be
celebrated on Thursday, February 16, 2023; and

WHEREAS, A native of North Carolina, Charles Lucas graduated from
Shaw University with a Bachelor of Arts in History and Sociology; upon
graduating, he taught high school history and later accepted a professor
of history position at Barber-Scotia College in Concord, North Carolina;
and

WHEREAS, Charles Lucas later moved to Cleveland, Ohio, working for
the Cedar Branch YMCA, ultimately introducing the first decentralized
youth program; while in Ohio, he was initiated into the Delta Alpha
Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity; and

WHEREAS, After moving to New York, Charles Lucas became employed by
the NYC Human Resources Administration, where he served as Director of
Social Services; and

WHEREAS, Becoming active in the Zeta Zeta Lambda Chapter of St.
Albans, New York, Charles Lucas served as Vice President, Treasurer, and
Editor to the Sphinx; he was also the Chapter's longest-serving
historian, and wrote the original history of this branch of the
organization, which was chartered in 1955; and

WHEREAS, A man of great faith, Charles Lucas is a member of the
Church of St. James where he serves as Lay Reader and Consultant; and

WHEREAS, Active in his community, Charles Lucas has served in the
capacity of President of the South Ozone Park Coalition of Block
Association, and is the outgoing Chairman of the Board for the Alpha Phi
Alpha Senior Citizens Center; and

WHEREAS, Charles Lucas, with his zest for life, has inspired and
enhanced the lives of his family and friends; and

WHEREAS, This distinguished man has experienced the incredible joys
and sorrows characteristic of and reserved for those with the stamina
and courage to savor a full life; and

WHEREAS, Charles Lucas has enriched the lives of those around him
through his joyous and sincere love for others and through the profound
charm and wisdom which comes only from a fullness of years; and

WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to publicly
recognize those who have reached such a remarkable age and who have
witnessed and celebrated the innovations, cultural developments, and
magnificent achievements of this country during the last century, while
themselves contributing to the growth and excellence of this great
Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Charles Lucas upon the occasion of celebrating his 102nd
Birthday; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Charles Lucas.