Assembly Resolution No. 788

BY: M. of A. Cook

HONORING H.E. Dr. Ibrahim Lawson Fofanah upon the
occasion of his designation as recipient of a
Lincoln-King Visionary Award for his commitment and
service to his community

WHEREAS, Individuals who give of their time and energies and serve
the best interests of their communities are an asset beyond remuneration
and cannot be sufficiently extolled; and

WHEREAS, Ibrahim Lawson Fofanah has given not only of his time and
energies but also of his competence, intelligence and leadership and
consequently has been designated for special honor; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor H.E. Dr.
Ibrahim Lawson Fofanah upon the occasion of his designation as recipient
of a Lincoln-King Visionary Award for his commitment and service to his
community, to be celebrated at the Lincoln-King Visionary Awards Gala,
"From Dream to Greatness," on Saturday, February 10, 2024, at the Sand
Castle in Franklin Square, New York; and

WHEREAS, This auspicious community gala is held annually to unite
the international community and to celebrate unity in diversity while
recognizing community leaders for their services; and

WHEREAS, Ibrahim Lawson Fofanah has been called upon to contribute
his time and talents to countless civic and charitable endeavors and has
always given of himself unstintingly; and

WHEREAS, Born in a humble village in Kono district, Sierra Leone,
Ibrahim Lawson Fofanah's father instilled in him a profound passion for
community transformation and social reform; upon moving to New York
City, he not only achieved remarkable success but also pioneered
opportunities for Africans, earning accolades for his entrepreneurial
prowess; and

WHEREAS, Ibrahim Lawson Fofanah stands as one of the first Africans
to open a messenger service in New York City, providing job
opportunities for thousands of Africans and immigrants arriving in the
city, a feat that earned him the prestigious Business Entrepreneur of
the Year award in 1997; and

WHEREAS, In 2005, Ibrahim Lawson Fofanah's vision expanded further
as he opened two flagship restaurants in Harlem, Cafe 2115 and Makoury,
which aimed to provide employment for immigrants arriving in the city;
for over a decade, these restaurants maintained a tradition of offering
free food every Friday, symbolizing his deep commitment to the
community; and

WHEREAS, In 2017, in partnership with his dedicated wife, Ibrahim
Lawson Fofanah founded the Lawson Fofanah Charity Foundation, a global
initiative with the aim of making a positive impact on communities
worldwide; today, the Global Lawson Foundation remains dedicated to

supporting Bronx communities with weekly food donations, simplifying
access to daily sustenance for its residents; and

WHEREAS, A visionary entrepreneur, dedicated philanthropist, and
staunch advocate for human rights, Ibrahim Lawson Fofanah earned his
Doctorate for Philosophy in Humanity in 2023; and

WHEREAS, As an internationally acclaimed philanthropic strategist,
captivating keynote speaker, and esteemed ambassador for global peace,
Ibrahim Lawson Fofanah's wisdom has resonated with audiences on a global
scale; his profound expertise in personal branding and strategic
marketing empowers individuals and organizations to achieve new heights
of excellence; and

WHEREAS, Ambassador Ibrahim Lawson Fofanah remains steadfast in his
commitment to transforming lives and leaving an enduring legacy of
inspirational and motivational leadership; and

WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of his community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Ambassador Ibrahim Lawson Fofanah
has stood constant in dignity, good grace, and humor; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an
individual for the benefit of others which Ambassador Ibrahim Lawson
Fofanah has displayed throughout his life; and

WHEREAS, It has always been the objective of this Legislative Body
to honor and support those individuals who have displayed their
commitment to the betterment of their communities, and it is the intent
of this Legislative Body to inscribe upon its records, this tribute to
Ambassador Ibrahim Lawson Fofanah, that future generations may know and
appreciate his admirable character, his many benevolent deeds, and the
respect and esteem in which he is held by his peers; now, therefore, be
it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor H.E. Dr. Ibrahim Lawson Fofanah upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of a Lincoln-King Visionary Award for his
commitment and service to his community; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to H.E. Dr. Ibrahim Lawson Fofanah.