Senate Resolution No. 267

BY: Senator PARKER

HONORING Thelma L. Greaves-Hawkins upon the
occasion of her designation for special recognition
at the Young, Gifted, & Black Entrepreneurial Awards
20th Anniversary Gala on February 26, 2025

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to honor those
individuals and organizations which devote their purposeful energies to
improve the dignity and quality of life of those they serve, preserve
their heritage, and foster pride among them; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Thelma L. Greaves-Hawkins upon the occasion of her designation for
special recognition at the Young, Gifted, & Black Entrepreneurial Awards
20th Anniversary Gala at Terrace on the Park in Queens, New York, on
Wednesday, February 26, 2025; and

WHEREAS, In 2006, the Young, Gifted, & Black (YGB) Entrepreneurial
Awards were established by Carl Gray as a platform to spotlight and
celebrate everyday individuals who serve as positive role models,
inspiring their peers through their accomplishments, perseverance, and
contributions; and

WHEREAS, Carl Gray's vision for the YGB Entrepreneurial Awards has
remained steadfast in ensuring recognition is given to those whose
contributions, though not always highlighted in mainstream media, have a
profound and lasting influence within their fields and society; and

WHEREAS, Thelma L. Greaves-Hawkins is a native of Brooklyn, New
York, educated in the Catholic and New York City school systems; she
furthered her studies at the City University of New York and received
her education in mortuary science at the American Academy McAllister
Institute of Funeral Service; since 1979, she has been a Funeral
Director licensed in the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, In 1984, Thelma L. Greaves-Hawkins established her own
funeral business, as Funeral Director and Manager, and has enjoyed every
day of her service to her community; with her throughout the years have
been her husband of 40 years, Rene E. Hawkins, five children, 23
grandchildren, and 26 great-grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, Active in her community, Thelma L. Greaves-Hawkins has been
a member of many organizations, including the Rotary Club, New York
State Funeral Directors Association (NYSFDA), National Funeral Directors
& Morticians Association, Inc. (NFDMA) where she served as an officer,
and New York State Department of Health Bureau of Funeral Directing
Advisory Board where she served as President for approximately 10 years;
and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those
individuals and organizations, which give positive definition to the
profile and disposition of the communities of the State of New York,

profoundly strengthen our shared commitment to the exercise of freedom;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Thelma L. Greaves-Hawkins upon the occasion of her designation for
special recognition at the Young, Gifted, & Black Entrepreneurial Awards
20th Anniversary Gala on February 26, 2025; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Thelma L. Greaves-Hawkins.