LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of Stanfield Simmons Jr.,
distinguished citizen and devoted member of his community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize those
individuals of preeminent character whose lives exemplified the highest
ideals of humanity and whose lifework and civic endeavor served to
enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great State of
New York; and
WHEREAS, Stanfield Simmons Jr., owner, director and curator of the
Simmons Collection African Arts Museum in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn, died
Tuesday, June 15, 2010, at the age of 65; and
WHEREAS, A man of singular distinction, Stanfield Simmons Jr. distin-
guished himself in his profession and by his sincere dedication and
substantial contribution to the welfare of his community; and
WHEREAS, Stanfield Simmons Jr. was well known across the United States
for organizing and leading group tours to countries in Africa, Asia, the
South Pacific, Central and South America, and the Caribbean; he was
widely appreciated and acknowledged for his contributions in the areas
of global culture and art forms; and
WHEREAS, Throughout Stanfield Simmons Jr.'s lifetime, many schools,
colleges, churches and private and public institutions gained a wealth
of information from his vast knowledge of global culture which he
imparted through his expansive collection of antiquities, artifacts and
videos, slide shows and special exhibitions; he showcased the work of
many artists, voluntarily mentored students, participated in career
days, and was a guest speaker at graduation ceremonies; and
WHEREAS, Stanfield Simmons Jr.'s commitment to excellence, and his
spirit of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, includ-
ing charitable and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, Stanfield Simmons Jr., who worked as a paralegal with a Wall
Street law firm before delving full-time into his passion for worldwide
travel, impacted many lives; his philanthropic activities included
donating funds, educational materials and supplies to schools in coun-
tries he visited; one expression of the esteem in which he was held was
his designation as a Ghanaian chief; he also received many commendations
and awards from various organizations; and
WHEREAS, When Stanfield Simmons Jr. was not leading groups on tours he
enjoyed playing chess, the saxophone, creating sculptures from plumbing
pipes, painting, and interior decorating; he also loved visiting museums
and art exhibits; and
WHEREAS, Stanfield Simmons Jr. is survived by his wife, Barbara Wentt-
Simmons; his father, Stanfield Simmons, Sr.; his son, Stanfield Simmons
III; his sister, Barbara Jean Polynice; two granddaughters, Khalia and
Kimora; his nephews, Lawrence Greer and Jean-Marc Polynice; as well as
many other relatives and friends; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit, imbued with a sense of
compassion, and comforted by a loving family, Stanfield Simmons Jr.
leaves behind a legacy which will long endure the passage of time and
will remain as a comforting memory to all he served and befriended; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Stanfield Simmons Jr., distinguished citizen and
devoted member of his community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Stanfield Simmons Jr.