LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Barbara Smith upon the occasion of her
designation for special recognition by the United Tenants of Albany on
June 11, 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, Barbara Smith has given not only of her time and energies but
also of her competence, intelligence and leadership and consequently has
been designated for special honor; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Barbara Smith
upon the occasion of her designation for special recognition by the
United Tenants of Albany, to be celebrated at its 41st Annual Meeting on
Wednesday, June 11, 2014, at St. Vincent De Paul Parish Hall, Albany,
New York; and
WHEREAS, Barbara Smith has been called upon to contribute her time and
talents to countless civic and charitable endeavors and has always given
of herself unstintingly; her strong leadership and advocacy around
countless critical social and economic justice issues has left an impor-
tant and lasting legacy in the Albany community; and
WHEREAS, Co-founder in 1980 of Kitchen Table: Women of Color Press,
Barbara Smith authored numerous books and periodicals on race, feminism,
and gender inequality; she has been a steadfast supporter of those
oppressed by poverty, racism, and social inequality; and
WHEREAS, In addition, she was instrumental in the creation of the
anti-violence community group SNUG, now called CURE Violence; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of her community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Barbara Smith has stood constant in
dignity, good grace and humor; and
WHEREAS, Barbara Smith has been a strong advocate for a holistic
approach to education which emphasizes the importance of engaging the
entire community in the lives of children; and
WHEREAS, For eight years, Barbara Smith served as a Member of the
Common Council representing Arbor Hill today, she works in the Special
Event Office for the City of Albany; and
WHEREAS, The proud recipient of numerous awards and accolades, Barbara
Smith was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, and in 2012, she was
profiled in the documentary "Makers: Women Who Make America"; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Barbara Smith has displayed through-
out her life; 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
this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Barbara Smith upon the occasion of her designation for special
recognition by the United Tenants of Albany on June 11, 2014; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Barbara Smith.