LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Essie Duggan upon the occasion of her
designation for special recognition after a lifetime of many achieve-
ments

WHEREAS, Individuals who give of their time and energies and serve the
best interests of their communities are an asset beyond remuneration and
cannot be sufficiently extolled; and
WHEREAS, Essie Duggan has given not only of her time and energies but
also of her competence, intelligence and leadership and consequently has
been designated for special honor; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Essie Duggan
upon the occasion of her designation for special recognition after a
lifetime of many achievements; and
WHEREAS, A native of Tannille, Georgia, Essie Duggan is a graduate of
Delaware State University and holds a Master's degree in Religious
Education from New York University; she has received additional reli-
gious training from New York School of the Bible; and
WHEREAS, Essie Duggan's desire to become a "Servant" to the Brooklyn
Community began shortly after her arrival here in 1971; her mission over
these years has been to "Serve God's People, enabling them to be in
control of their destiny"; and
WHEREAS, Essie Duggan joined Wayside Baptist Church in the mid-1970s
and has served faithfully under the leadership of Pastor Emeritus Theo-
dus Hutchinson and for 22 years under the current leadership of Pastor
Joe L. Parker; and
WHEREAS, As a dedicated Sunday School teacher, Essie Duggan has taught
all age groups as well as challenged students and is currently the
Christian Education Director, a position she has held for 24 years; and
WHEREAS, She has served as Youth Director for the New York Missionary
Baptist Association; Supervisor of the Junior High School Teachers
Department for the New York State Progressive Congress of Christian
Education; and assisted in developing curriculum for training youth as
peer leaders for American Baptist Churches Metro; and
WHEREAS, Essie Duggan has been called upon to contribute her time and
talents to countless civic and charitable endeavors and has always given
of herself unstintingly; and
WHEREAS, In her community outreach for Wayside Baptist Church, Essie
Duggan is a founding member of Care Beyond Neighborhood, Inc., an after-
school and summer youth tutorial program, and Wayside Baptist Church
Senior Programs, which include home care, meals on wheels and family
shelters; and
WHEREAS, Essie Duggan's community service includes serving as past
president of the 600 Bainbridge Street Block Association, 1978-1990;
past School Board Member, District 23; Community Board Member, District
16; Female District Leader, 55th A.D., 1994-present; founding member of
the O.B.U.S.T.Y.; founding member of Northeast Housing Development
Corp.; founding member of Oceanhill Fayeene Construction Company and
founding member and former Executive Director of Central Brooklyn Devel-
opment Corp.; and
WHEREAS, Professional memberships include 100 Women for Congressman
Major Owens and African American Clergy and Elected Officials; she is
also a member of the N.A.A.C.P., Church Women United and a life member
of National Council of Negro Women; and
WHEREAS, Essie Duggan is the recipient of the Spiritual Leaders Award;
Service and Dedication Award to Children from School District 23; the
Teacher of the Year Award, from The New York State Progressive Congress

of Christian Education and The Achievement in Religious Education Award
from Wayside Education Support Program (WESP); and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of her community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Essie Duggan has stood constant in
dignity, good grace and humor; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Essie Duggan has displayed through-
out her life; 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 Essie Duggan upon the occasion of her designation for special
recognition after a lifetime of many achievements; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Essie Duggan.