LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring the memory and the extraordinary legacy
of Jacob August Riis upon the occasion of the 100th Anniversary of his
passing in May of 1914

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor the memory
and the accomplishments of individuals who have passed away, but whose
legacy will live on forever in the great contributions they have made to
the people of New York State; and
WHEREAS, Jacob August Riis, who was born in Denmark in 1849 and immi-
grated to the United States in 1870, is one such individual whose work
as an esteemed reporter, photojournalist, novelist, lecturer and ardent
champion of the poor in New York City is celebrated to this day; and
WHEREAS, Jacob Riis, who worked as a carpenter in his native Copenha-
gen, was initially unable to find employment upon his arrival to the
United States, often sleeping in police station lodging houses and work-
ing at a number of menial jobs before beginning, as a rookie employee of
a New York news bureau, what would become a distinguished and ground-
breaking journalistic career; and
WHEREAS, Jacob Riis became a police reporter for the NEW YORK TRIBUNE
in 1877 and became determined to use his journalistic skills and oppor-
tunities to bring the plight of the poor to the eyes of the world, argu-
ing that the poor were the victims rather than the makers of their fate;
and
WHEREAS, In 1888, Jacob Riis became employed as a photojournalist for
the NEW YORK EVENING SUN and was among the first photographers to use
flash power to capture images of New York City tenement and slum interi-
ors and exteriors at night; and
WHEREAS, Jacob Riis became perhaps best known by his novel HOW THE
OTHER HALF LIVES, which illuminated the plight of the poor and led to
needed government and social reforms, with his advocacy and his historic
documentary photography coming to the attention of President Theodore
Roosevelt, who was then the President of the Board of Commissioners of
the New York City Police Department; and
WHEREAS, Jacob Riis and President Theodore Roosevelt thus began a
lifelong friendship, with Theodore Roosevelt terming Jacob Riis "the
most useful citizen of New York" and the "ideal American;" and
WHEREAS, Jacob Riis spent many years of his life, up until the time of
his death, writing and lecturing about the lives of the poor; he
authored more than a dozen books, including CHILDREN OF THE POOR in
1892, OUT OF MULBERRY STREET in 1898, THE BATTLE WITH THE SLUM in 1902,
and CHILDREN OF THE TENEMENT in 1903; and
WHEREAS, In his life apart from journalism and his advocacy on behalf
of the needy, Jacob Riis married his childhood sweetheart, Elisabeth,
and eventually moved to Richmond Hill in Queens, where they lived and
raised their family for almost three decades; and
WHEREAS, Jacob Riis passed away on May 26, 1914, at the age of 65, and
in honor of his legacy, Telawana Park in Rockaway, Queens, was renamed
Jacob A. Riis Park at the suggestion of Theodore Roosevelt; and
WHEREAS, As the 100th Anniversary of the death of Jacob Riis
approaches on May 26, 2014, it is fitting that an opportunity be taken
to reflect on the many contributions of this unique, compassionate and
highly talented man to New York City, New York State and our society as
a whole; and
WHEREAS, On May 15, 2014, a bronze bust of Jacob Riis, which was
created by artist David Ostro with funds raised by local students and
which was somehow spared the wrath of Hurricane Sandy in 2012, will be
decorated with a floral wreath, donated by the Richmond Hill Historical

Society, at Jacob Riis Park in Rockaway, Queens, to commemorate the life
of this incredible man; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor the legacy and memory of Jacob August Riis one full century after
his passing; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Jacob Riis Memorial Celebration Committee.