Assembly Resolution No. 1014

BY: M. of A. Buttenschon

HONORING the legacy of James Blackshear and
commemorating the 15th Annual James Blackshear
Memorial Prayer Luncheon on April 4, 2024

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to publicly
recognize those extraordinary individuals who have made contributions to
the cultural enrichment of the State of New York, and to the success and
progress of society during their life's work; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
the legacy of James Blackshear and commemorate the 15th Annual James
Blackshear Memorial Prayer Luncheon on Thursday, April 4, 2024, at Club
Monarch in Yorkville, New York; and

WHEREAS, James Blackshear, a native of Utica, New York, received his
bachelor's degree from the State University of New York (SUNY) Institute
of Technology; and

WHEREAS, As the chief financial officer of Hope Chapel for 20 of his
40 years of membership, James Blackshear served with unwavering
commitment and dedication; he also joined the United States Navy from
1967 to 1971, and was later employed by UNIVAC; and

WHEREAS, James Blackshear served as the Executive Director of the
Cosmopolitan Center for 22 years where he diligently worked to
positively impact his community; and

WHEREAS, A testament to community involvement, James Blackshear was
chairman of the Utica Human Relations Commission, a commissioner of the
New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, a
member of the African-American Coalition of Oneida County, and the Utica
Minority Coalition; and

WHEREAS, James Blackshear has demonstrated a belief in community
service through not just words, but through his meaningful and impactful
contributions and hard work; and

WHEREAS, James Blackshear also served as president of the Kiwanis
Club of Utica, was honored in 1991 as the winner of the Len Wilbur
Award, and was the first recipient of the Mohawk Valley Frontiersman
Martin Luther King Jr. Award; he was inducted into the MVCC Hall of Fame
in 2000, as well as the Oneida County Historical Society Hall of Fame in
2005; and

WHEREAS, The significant contributions of James Blackshear
throughout his distinguished career and enduring legacy, unwavering
dedication, remarkable vision, and renowned leadership for opportunities
for marginalized communities and the greater Utica community at large
are hereby recognized and celebrated at the Memorial Prayer Luncheon and
by the citizens of this great State and Nation; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor the legacy of James Blackshear and commemorate the 15th Annual
James Blackshear Memorial Prayer Luncheon on April 4, 2024.