LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Dr. Esmeralda Simmons upon the occa-
sion of being honored in conjunction with Women's History Month 2014 in
the State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and pay
tribute to those women of achievement within the Empire State who have
made strong contributions to their communities and who inspire others
through their model citizenship; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Dr. Esmeralda Simmons upon the occasion of being honored in conjunction
with Women's History Month 2014 in the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Women of every race, class, and ethnic background have made
invaluable contributions to the growth and strength of New York State in
countless recorded and unrecorded ways; and
WHEREAS, Each year, the State of New York officially sets aside time
to recognize the achievements and lives of such exemplary women, repre-
sentatives of the wide-ranging and vital roles women have played in the
historic development of this great Empire State and its communities; the
theme of this year's commemoration is "Celebrating Women of Character,
Courage, and Commitment"; and
WHEREAS, Attorney Dr. Esmeralda Simmons is a long-time community
empowerment advocate; throughout her illustrious and varied career, she
has consistently epitomized the values of character, courage, and
commitment in her unwavering service to her peers, colleagues, and
fellow citizens; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Esmeralda Simmons is the founder and Executive Director
of the Center for Law and Social Justice in Brooklyn, New York; a commu-
nity-based legal advocacy and research organization housed at Medgar
Evers College of the City University of New York; and
WHEREAS, The first Deputy Commissioner for Human Rights for the State
of New York, Dr. Esmeralda Simmons has demonstrated commitment to the
cause of racial justice, particularly in the areas of quality public
education for students of color, voting rights, and cultural rights; as
a leader and advocate she is widely respected for her dedication to
working collaboratively, skillfully building coalitions and engaging
others in the pursuit of social justice; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Esmeralda Simmons' impressive legal career includes
service as a Civil Rights Attorney for the United States Department of
Education, work as a New York State Assistant Attorney General, and a
New York City Assistant Corporation Counsel, as well as service as a law
clerk to a federal judge; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Esmeralda Simmons is also a woman of faith; her desire
for a better quality of life for all is fueled by her belief in peace,
grounding in African culture, the vision of her ancestors, and respect
for life and cultural diversity; and
WHEREAS, This passionate advocate also gives generously of her time to
community organizations; she serves on the boards of the Applied
Research Center, the Fund for Social Change, and the Vallecitos Mountain
Refuge, Inc., and also serves as a selection committee member for
several fellowships and grants for activists, parents, and youth; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of her service to her community,
the State of New York, and the nation, Dr. Esmeralda Simmons has stood
constant in dignity, good grace and humor; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is pleased to have this opportunity to
express its highest admiration for Dr. Esmeralda Simmons and to wish her
continued success in all of her future endeavors; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, 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 Dr. Esmeralda Simmons upon the occasion of being honored in
conjunction with Women's History Month in the State of New York; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Dr. Esmeralda Simmons.