Senate Resolution No. 2128

BY: Senator PARKER

COMMEMORATING the Miriam Carey 4th Annual
Butterfly Brunch on September 20, 2026

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend those meaningful community observances and commemorative events
which honor lives lost, uplift families seeking justice and healing, and
inspire continued advocacy on behalf of underserved communities; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the Miriam Carey 4th Annual Butterfly Brunch, to be held on
Sunday, September 20, 2026, in remembrance of Miriam Carey and in
celebration of her enduring legacy; and

WHEREAS, Organized through the tireless efforts of Valarie Carey and
the Carey family, sister of Miriam Carey, this annual gathering has
become a powerful expression of remembrance, advocacy, healing, and
community solidarity, bringing together family members, advocates, and
supporters committed to preserving Miriam's memory and advancing
awareness surrounding justice, accountability, and mental health; and

WHEREAS, The annual Butterfly Brunch was established in the wake of
the tragic and untimely death of Miriam Carey in 2013 in Washington,
D.C., an event which drew national attention and has since informed
broader public discourse on justice, accountability, and mental health
awareness; and

WHEREAS, Miriam Carey is remembered as a beloved native New Yorker,
daughter, mother, sister, and friend, whose life continues to inspire
conversations surrounding compassion, dignity, and equitable treatment
for all individuals, and whose memory remains a source of strength and
reflection for her family and community; and

WHEREAS, The Butterfly Brunch serves as both a memorial tribute and
a symbol of transformation, resilience, and hope, utilizing the
butterfly as an enduring representation of healing, remembrance, and
renewal; and

WHEREAS, In addition to honoring Miriam Carey's life, the event
supports scholarship initiatives and community advocacy efforts designed
to uplift future generations and continue the work of empowerment and
education in her name; and

WHEREAS, Through her leadership and sustained advocacy, Valerie
Carey has worked to transform personal grief into purposeful civic
action, ensuring that Miriam Carey's legacy is preserved through
remembrance, education, and community empowerment; and

WHEREAS, Through this annual observance, the Carey family and
community supporters have created a sacred space for reflection,
fellowship, and engagement, ensuring that Miriam Carey's story and
legacy continue to inspire meaningful dialogue and positive change; and

WHEREAS, It is fitting and proper that this Legislative Body pause
in its deliberations to recognize the significance of the Miriam Carey
4th Annual Butterfly Brunch and to commend all those whose dedication
and perseverance continue to promote healing, remembrance, and justice;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the Miriam Carey 4th Annual Butterfly Brunch, to be held on
September 20, 2026, and to extend sincere appreciation to Valerie Carey,
the Carey family, organizers, supporters, and community advocates for
their continued commitment to preserving Miriam Carey's legacy through
service, remembrance, and community empowerment; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Valerie Carey and the organizers of the Miriam Carey 4th
Annual Butterfly Brunch.