LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Minister Anna Nell Wyatt upon the occa-
sion of her designation as recipient of the prestigious Mother's Day
Award by the National Action Network and Gateway Christian Center

WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of certain
extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their valued
contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly
acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among
us all; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Minister Anna Nell Wyatt upon the occasion of her designation as recipi-
ent of the prestigious Mother's Day Award by the National Action Network
and Gateway Christian Center, to be celebrated at its Government Gala
Awards Ceremony, on Sunday, May 10, 2015, at Jericho Terrace, Mineola,
New York; and
WHEREAS, This auspicious award is given to women who have demonstrated
exemplary works, services, and commitment to the people of their commu-
nities; Minister Anna Nell Wyatt truly deserves this honor for her
contributions to her New York neighborhood; and
WHEREAS, The youngest girl of 21 children, Anna Nell Rumph was born to
Caesar Rumph III and Beatrice Robinson-Rumph, on November 11, 1925; and
WHEREAS, A music lover, Anna Nell Wyatt was a faithful member of the
McBranch Baptist Church in Branchville, South Carolina; as a student at
Williams Memorial High School, she participated in the Glee Club at
their Sunday School Conferences; and
WHEREAS, After the early death of her mother, Anna Nell Wyatt relo-
cated to New York City, and married the Reverend John Willie Wyatt; the
couple, along with her brother, were lead singers in the performance
touring group, The Southern Gospel Singers; in addition, she sang in a
trio called The Ross Nightingales; and
WHEREAS, A believer in education, Anna Nell Wyatt earned an associate
in applied science degree from New York City Community College of The
City University of New York, Brooklyn; she then went on to receive her
bachelor's degree from The College of New Rochelle, New Rochelle, New
York; and
WHEREAS, Anna Nell Wyatt furthered her education by obtaining her
Master's degree in Social Work from Adelphi University, Garden City, New
York; in addition she earned Graduate Degree Continuing Education Cred-
its from both Teachers' College, Columbia University, New York City, and
New York University School of Social Work, New York City; and
WHEREAS, Anna Nell Wyatt also took Music Education classes at City
College of The City University of New York, and graduated from The Apex
Beauty School; and
WHEREAS, For 50 years, Anna Nell Wyatt held the positions of social
worker, psychologist, guidance counselor, and teacher throughout her
employment with the New York City Board of Education; she served as
staff musician for many Manhattan Public Schools, including P.S. 200,
P.S. 107, P.S. 131, P.S. 194, P.S. 156, P.S. 123, and T.S. 195; and
WHEREAS, A dedicated educator, Anna Nell Wyatt believes that music is
key to child development; whether a child can learn to sing, play an
instrument, appreciate listening to music, or feel the beat, music helps
a child acclimate to his or her environment; and
WHEREAS, Active in her community, Anna Nell Wyatt was instrumental in
building affordable housing on West 147th Street, in Harlem, for those
who did not qualify for New York City programs; in addition, she helped

found Churchill House, a 14 story housing development also in Harlem;
and
WHEREAS, Anna Nell Wyatt served as the Secretary of the Board of
Churchill House for 36 years; today, she is still an active member; and
WHEREAS, Anna Nell Wyatt and her late husband, Reverend John Willie
Wyatt had one beloved daughter, Theresa; however, they served as dedi-
cated foster parents for 15 children; and
WHEREAS, A proud parent, Anna Nell Wyatt held a seat on the Board of
the Parents' Council of the prestigious Sarah Lawrence College, the
school from which Theresa graduated; and
WHEREAS, Anna Nell Wyatt was the recipient of numerous awards and
accolades, including recognition as a 79 Years of Service Music Legend
by The National Baptist Convention of the USA, Inc., at its 2010 Annual
Session; and
WHEREAS, In 2014, Anna Nell Wyatt was named a Church Mother and was
honored for the grace in which she lived for 40 years as a widow; 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 Minister Anna Nell Wyatt upon the occasion of her designation as
recipient of the prestigious Mother's Day Award by the National Action
Network and Gateway Christian Center; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Minister Anna Nell Wyatt, the National Action Network, and
the Gateway Christian Center.