LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of business leader Lumon Ross,
distinguished citizen and devoted member of his community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body mourns the death of business
leader Lumon Ross, distinguished citizen and devoted member of his
community; and
WHEREAS, Lumon Ross, of Buffalo, New York, died on January 7, 2014, at
the age of 75; and
WHEREAS, A Buffalo native, Lumon Ross earned a bachelor's degree from
Buffalo State College; he was a social worker and a New York State Divi-
sion of Youth supervisor before opening the Kensington Experience
restaurant on Kensington Avenue in the early 1990s; and
WHEREAS, Lumon Ross distinguished himself in his profession and by his
sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of his
community; and
WHEREAS, He was a long-time champion of black-owned businesses; this
community-minded leader understood the essential role of small busi-
nesses in rebuilding Buffalo's East Side community and creating job
opportunities for the neighborhood; and
WHEREAS, Lumon Ross's commitment to excellence, and his spirit of
humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including charita-
ble and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, In the 1990s Lumon Ross co-founded the Black Chamber of
Commerce and served as its only President, proudly representing the
organization at area business and job fairs; he made sure the Black
Chamber of Commerce was accessible to all and was at the forefront of
teaching the principles of business to members of the community; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Lumon Ross was Chairman of the Millions More
Movement's Ministry of Trade and Commerce, a board member of Citizens
Alliance and Restoring Our Community Coalition, as well as a member of
the Buffalo Local Action Committee and the Kwanzaa Committee; and
WHEREAS, Lumon Ross lived his life with great dignity and genuine
grace, always demonstrating a deep and continuing concern for human
values and ideals, and inspiring others to do the same; and
WHEREAS, He was devoted to his family and to his community, a polite
and patient warrior whose passing leaves a void that can never be
filled; and
WHEREAS, Lumon Ross is survived by his wife, Nancy A. Ross; his chil-
dren: Alexandra C. (Robert) Eaton, Lara M. Gray, Lumon J. (Rosalind)
Ross, Kate I. Ross, Gabriele Olla, Sarah (Richard) Obot; his brother,
Ralph Ross; eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, as well a
host of nieces, nephews, and other family and friends; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Lumon Ross 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 business leader Lumon Ross, 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 Lumon Ross.