Assembly Resolution No. 682

BY: M. of A. Peoples-Stokes

MOURNING the death of Ernestine R. Green,
distinguished citizen and devoted member of her
community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to mourn
the death of Ernestine R. Green, distinguished citizen and devoted
member of her community; and

WHEREAS, Ernestine R. Green distinguished herself in her profession
and by her dedication and contribution to the welfare of her community,
State, and Nation; and

WHEREAS, Ernestine R. Green, of Orchard Park, New York, died on
Friday, May 2, 2025, at the age of 87; and

WHEREAS, Ernestine R. Green, one of seven girls, was born to Eugene
and Bertha Riddick in Queens, New York, on March 27, 1938; in 1955, she
relocated to Buffalo to attend Buffalo State Teachers College where she
graduated in 1959; and

WHEREAS, Settling in Long Island, Ernestine R. Green was unable to
work as a teacher in the public school system because minority teachers
were not welcome at that time; instead, she served in social work for
the Nassau County Department of Welfare; in 1960, she returned to
Buffalo and married Justice Samuel L. Green; and

WHEREAS, Ernestine R. Green was the first woman to be appointed to
Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) by the former Governor
Hugh Carey in 1980, and she was reappointed by former Governor Mario
Cuomo in 1987; and

WHEREAS, While at NFTA, Ernestine R. Green initiated and chaired the
Minority Task Force which helps local minority businesses work with NFTA
to secure contracts; additionally, she initiated and chaired the Art
Selection Committee of NFTA; $1.5 million of public art, represented by
all members of the community, was placed in the seven Metro stations;
and

WHEREAS, Some of Ernestine R. Green's numerous affiliations include:
Commissioner and Vice Chair of Niagara Frontier Transportation
Authority; Trustee of the Statler Foundation; Founder and Chair of
Renaissance Women; Buffalo Urban League; Buffalo Chapter NAACP; Trustee
of the Buffalo State College Foundation; Founder of the Black Educators
Association; and Chair of the Educational Committee of the Buffalo
Philharmonic Orchestra; and

WHEREAS, Ernestine R. Green and her husband, Samuel, were blessed
with a daughter, Beth Ann, who is a practicing attorney in Forest Hills,
New York; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those
dedicated individuals who devote their lives to the betterment of their
communities are worthy and due praise for their commitment and
endeavors; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Ernestine R. Green leaves a legacy which will endure the
passage of time and remain a memory to all she served and befriended;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Ernestine R. Green, distinguished citizen and devoted
member of her community; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Ernestine R. Green.