LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Rita Winn upon the occasion of her
designation for special recognition by Mauby Media Services

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to call attention to
those esteemed residents of the State of New York who dedicate their
lives to the improvement of their communities; and
WHEREAS, Rita Winn 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 Rita Winn upon
the occasion of her designation for special recognition by Mauby Media
Services, celebrated on Friday, September 21, 2012, at St. Jude Communi-
ty Center in Brooklyn, New York; and
WHEREAS, Mauby Media Services is hosting the "Salute to Yesterday's
Children" event, which is a benefit and award ceremony acknowledging
community elders; and
WHEREAS, Rita Winn was born in Trinidad and grew up on Charlotte
Street in Port of Spain; she was a female laborer and for most of her
life worked in the projects in and around Port of Spain; and
WHEREAS, Rita Winn attended the Sacred Heart Girls School and her
favorite childhood pastime was jumping rope and playing with dolls;
later in life, she had 17 children, eight of whom are alive; and
WHEREAS, Rita Winn migrated to the United States in 1968 and took up
housekeeping work and eventually became a Nurse's Aide; her great-grand-
father came from the African Tribe of Solomon and her father, Foster
Darceiul, was a celebrated Mambo (African Priest); and
WHEREAS, From an early age, Rita Winn was indoctrinated into the
Orisha faith in Trinidad and as one of the oldest practitioners in
Brooklyn, she became known as "The Queen Orisha" and is called Mother
Rita and Tan Ta; and
WHEREAS, Having a lifetime desire to visit Africa, the land of her
grandfather, Rita Winn's secret to living a long life is to love God
with all your heart and be obedient to his will; and
WHEREAS, A true asset to society, Rita Winn's distinguished record
merits the recognition and respectful tribute of this Legislative Body;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Rita Winn upon the occasion of her designation for special recog-
nition by Mauby Media Services; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Rita Winn.