Senate Resolution No. 269

BY: Senator PARKER

RECOGNIZING and celebrating the 20th Anniversary
of the Young, Gifted, & Black Entrepreneurial Awards
Inc.

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to honor those
enduring organizations which devote their purposeful energies to
improving the quality and dignity of life of those they serve, to
preserving their heritage, and to fostering 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
recognize and celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Young, Gifted, &
Black Entrepreneurial Awards Inc., and to pay tribute to this year's
distinguished honorees, on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at Terrace on
the Park, Queens, New York; and

WHEREAS, The Young, Gifted, & Black (YGB) Entrepreneurial Awards
were established in 2006 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, The YGB Entrepreneurial Awards originated as a marketing
initiative to support the Blue Mahoe Restaurant in New York City,
growing into an enduring program that has honored over 300
entrepreneurial recipients while fostering inspiration and motivation
for countless others; and

WHEREAS, The YGB Entrepreneurial Awards have expanded their mission
to include tributes during Black History Month to luminaries such as
Robert Nesta Marley, Coretta Scott King, Historically Black Colleges and
Universities, and everyday individuals whose entrepreneurial efforts
make a significant impact on their communities; 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, The year 2025 marks the 20th Anniversary Celebration of
this extraordinary program, which continues to honor excellence and
innovation across diverse industries; and

WHEREAS, The YGB Entrepreneurial Awards 2025 Gala will celebrate
distinguished honorees whose achievements exemplify the ideals of
dedication, leadership, and service; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those
organizations that give positive definition to the profile and
disposition of the communities of the State of New York, do so
profoundly strengthen our shared commitment to the exercise of freedom;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
recognize and celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Young, Gifted, &
Black Entrepreneurial Awards Inc., and to pay tribute to this year's
distinguished honorees; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Carl Gray, President and CEO of The NetLinkz Group, Inc.