LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Queen Pen for her hard work and dedi-
cation in the struggle against domestic violence on April 30, 2009

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those individ-
uals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the community and its
citizenry; and
WHEREAS, From time to time we take note of certain individuals whom we
wish to recognize for their valued contributions and to publicly
acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among
us all; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor Queen Pen
for her hard work and dedication in the struggle against domestic
violence at an event to be held Thursday, April 30, 2009; and
WHEREAS, Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Lynise Walters, also
known as Queen Pen, struggled as a single mother to raise her sons,
Donlynn and Quintin; she never gave up on her dreams of becoming an
entertainer; she took whatever extra money she had to rent a neighbor-
hood studio and record demos; understanding that demos didn't pay bills
or put food on the table, she set out on a totally different journey...
life; and
WHEREAS, Years later in the parking lot of a Virginia Beach 7-Eleven,
Queen Pen's life began to get on track; Platinum Producer and Recording
Artist Teddy Riley stood in amazement when his friend Queen Pen revealed
her talents; and
WHEREAS, Two years later, they connected musically; this led to her
not only touring across the world, but landing a major recording deal;
in 1999, Lil Man Records/Interscope Records released Queen Pen's debut
album "My Melody"; and
WHEREAS, Queen Pen took advantage of her newfound fame; she began to
speak in various juvenile prisons, group homes, inner city schools, to
victims of domestic violence (being a victim and survivor herself) and
facilities for young mothers which have, to date, gotten her recognition
from the Mayor of Jersey City, New Jersey; Assemblymen in Harlem and
Brooklyn, New York; and the Lieutenant Governor of New York State; as
well as several other high risk teen organizations; and
WHEREAS, In 2000, Queen Pen slowly slid off the scene after giving
birth to her third child and first daughter, Lyric; "Family comes first.
My fans know I'm real so they understand when I come and go. Trust -
they know I'm dealing with life, just like they are"; and
WHEREAS, One year later, she returned, spending a short time with
Motown Records, releasing her sophomore album, "Conversations with
Queen"; the album featured artists such as Damian and Stephen Marley,
Mr. Cheeks, Cam'ron, Prodigy (Mobb Deep), and a host of others; and
WHEREAS, Soon after departing from Motown Records, Queen Pen released
her self-published book of short stories entitled SITUATIONS; her
creation quickly took off, eventually selling well over 80,000 copies;
and
WHEREAS, Being a victim and survivor of domestic violence, Queen Pen
has made it her responsibility to not only share her story with other
domestic violence victims, but to dedicate her time in various domestic
violence organizations; Queen Pen is quoted as saying: "It's so impor-
tant to share your struggles, pains, and testimony with others. You
never know who might be going through the same things you've had to
battle and overcome. If only 50 people out of 500 are inspired by your

testimony, you have helped 50 individuals and 50 is always better than
none!"; and
WHEREAS, Queen Pen, who released her first novel in 2007, is an inspi-
ration to many people, and her dedication and commitment to the struggle
against domestic violence has proven her to be the epitome of true lead-
ership; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a
long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned the
recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Queen Pen for her hard work and dedication in the struggle against
domestic violence at an event to be held Thursday, April 30, 2009; and
be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Queen Pen.