LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 23rd Anniversary of the Annual
Women Celebrating Women Gala, and paying tribute to this year's honorees

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those organiza-
tions that would devote themselves to the welfare of the community and
its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 23rd Anniversary of the Annual Women Celebrating Women Gala,
and pay tribute to this year's honorees on Sunday, April 19, 2015, at
the Tropical Paradise Banquet Hall, Brooklyn, New York; and
WHEREAS, This auspicious event, celebrated in honor of Women's History
Month, recognizes women who have made outstanding contributions to the
Brooklyn community, they are: Rodgezach Augustine, Dr. Una S.T. Clarke,
Michelle Danvers Faust, Nyree Dixon, Desma Dofflyn-King, Reverend Dr.
Sharon Downer, Karen Gamba, Dr. Patricia Haggler, Rosetta Hancel, Dr.
Tamara Henry, Ann Johnson-Richmond, Dr. Lois King, Silvia Lavalas,
LaVerne Munro, Agatha Sealy, Marjorie Parker, Bosede Otulaja, and Helen
Walker; and
WHEREAS, Women's History Month is an annual declared month that high-
lights the contributions of women to events in history and contemporary
society; and
WHEREAS, Women's History Month had its origins as a national cele-
bration in 1981, when Congress passed Pub. L. 97-28 which authorized and
requested the President to proclaim the week beginning March 7, 1982 as
Women's History Week; five years later, Congress passed Pub. L. 100-9
which designated the month of March of 1987, as Women's History Month;
and
WHEREAS, Between 1988-1994, Congress passed additional resolutions
requesting and authorizing the President to proclaim March of each year
as Women's History Month; since 1995, Presidents Clinton, Bush and Obama
have issued a series of annual proclamations designating the month of
March as Women's History Month; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals and organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are
brought to our attention, 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
commemorate the 23rd Anniversary of the Annual Women Celebrating Women
Gala, and paying tribute to this year's honorees; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the aforementioned honorees.