LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Citizens Against Recidivism, Inc. upon
the occasion of hosting its 7th Annual Citizens Awards ceremony

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 organiza-
tions and individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the
community and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Citizens Against Recidivism, Inc. upon the occasion of hosting its 7th
Annual Citizens Awards ceremony on Saturday, November 9, 2013; and
WHEREAS, The distinguished honorees, include: Tarell Rodgers, Vivian
Denise Nixon Award for Leadership in Education; Kirk James and Robert
Riggs, Kathy Boudin Award for Research and Scholarship; Sharon Richard-
son and William Brown, William Eric Waters Bridge Builder Award; Andrea
James, Julio Medina Freedom Fighters Award; Marlon Peterson, Citizens'
Social Action Award; Mujahid Farid, Glenn E. Martin Advocate of the Year
Award; Anthony Papa, Citizens' Advocacy Award; and Flores A. Forbes,
Edwin (Eddie) Ellis Life Time Achievement Award; and
WHEREAS, Each year, Citizens Against Recidivism, Inc. publicly
acknowledges the social contributions and accomplishments of a select
number of formerly incarcerated people since their release, particularly
those who are using what they have learned since being incarcerated and
sharing their knowledge to help others; and
WHEREAS, Over the years, honorees have included leaders in education,
grassroots advocacy, religion, and public service, to name a few; and
WHEREAS, Citizens Against Recidivism, Inc. was founded in 1992
initially to address the needs of family members who had incarcerated
loved ones; the organization was incorporated in 1996, initially provid-
ing supportive counseling to the wives and family members of the incar-
cerated, cultural programming in various New York State prisons and
delinquency intervention programming for youth; and
WHEREAS, Citizens Against Recidivism, Inc. works to achieve the resto-
ration of all the rights and attributes of citizenship among people in
prison or jail and those who have been released in collaboration with
other community and faith based organizations at each of the overlapping
phases of the community integration process; this particular work
includes advocacy on all levels, preventive efforts targeting at-risk
youth and efforts to strengthen individuals, families and personal
relationships affected by experiences with the criminal justice system;
and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals and organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are
brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by
all the citizens of the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Citizens Against Recidivism, Inc. upon the occasion of hosting
its 7th Annual Citizens Awards ceremony; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Mikail DeVeaux, Executive Director, Wanda Best-DeVeaux, Pres-
ident of Citizens Against Recidivism, Inc. and to the honorees.