LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Stephen Downs upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of the Humanitarian Award by The Islamic Center
of the Capital District on May 31, 2014

WHEREAS, Individuals who give of their time and energies and serve the
best interests of their communities are an asset beyond remuneration and
cannot be sufficiently extolled; and
WHEREAS, Stephen Downs has given not only of his time and energies but
also of his competence, intelligence and leadership and consequently has
been designated for special honor; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Stephen Downs
upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the Humanitarian
Award by The Islamic Center of the Capital District, to be celebrated at
its Awards Dinner on Saturday, May 31, 2014, in Schenectady, New York;
and
WHEREAS, The Islamic Center of the Capital District (ICCD) of New York
is a non-profit, non-political, religious and educational institute; the
purpose of the ICCD is to advance the teachings of Islam and to serve
the Muslim community in upstate New York; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, the organization hopes to serve as a bridge
between the Muslim and non-Muslim communities in the tri-city area to
promote mutual learning and understanding; and
WHEREAS, This auspicious award recognizes Stephen Downs for his
commitment and legal advocacy on behalf of Muslims, fighting to protect
their civil freedom, as well as preventing racial and ethnic profiling;
and
WHEREAS, A true pillar within his community, Stephen Downs' distin-
guished service to The Islamic Center of the Capital District merits the
recognition and respectful tribute of this Legislative Body; and
WHEREAS, Volunteerism is an essential element of all societies; it
provides a way in which the human values of community, caring and serv-
ing can be sustained and strengthened; and
WHEREAS, America has achieved her greatest heights of glory through
the dedication, determination and tireless efforts of the outstanding
citizens of this Nation; and
WHEREAS, Volunteerism promotes family and community solidarity; most
importantly, people who volunteer their time in civic and charitable
endeavors inspire others to the call of volunteerism; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of his community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Stephen Downs has stood constant in
dignity, good grace and humor; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Stephen Downs has displayed through-
out his life; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those individ-
uals who enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have
shown a long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have
earned the recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great
Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Stephen Downs upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of
the Humanitarian Award by The Islamic Center of the Capital District on
May 31, 2014; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Stephen Downs.