LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Dr. Albert Vann upon the occasion of
his designation for special recognition by the Male Development and
Empowerment Center at Medgar Evers College of the City University of New
York, on April 18, 2016

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and pay
tribute to those individuals who are committed to expanding scholastic
opportunities and enhancing the quality of education in the State of New
York; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Dr. Albert Vann upon the occasion of his designation for special recog-
nition by the Male Development and Empowerment Center at Medgar Evers
College of the City University of New York, to be celebrated at its
Inaugural Founder's Breakfast, on Monday, April 18, 2016, in conjunction
with its Annual Men of Medgar Week; and
WHEREAS, Along with its Black Male Initiative, the Male Development
and Empowerment Center is proud to host the Men of Medgar Week, a week-
long celebratory exploration of the minority male experience and pres-
ence on the Medgar Evers College campus; this special occasion will
consist of a variety of workshops, symposiums, lectures, social and
special events moderated and hosted by diverse men of color from all
spectrums of life dedicated to raising awareness and the social
conscience of the College's male population; and
WHEREAS, The end goal of this enlightening event is to encourage
academic excellence, engage and spark recruitment, while highlighting
and honoring male achievement, as well as promoting excellence on the
college campus; and
WHEREAS, The festivities will begin with a motivational Founder's
Breakfast followed by the Annual Medgar Men in Suits campus march and
conclude with the President's Breakfast and the ceremonial Pi Eta Kappa
Honors Induction; and
WHEREAS, Born and raised in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, Dr. Albert
Vann, affectionately known as Al, has a long and distinguished career as
a public servant, educator and community activist; and
WHEREAS, At the age of 18, Albert Vann joined the United States Marine
Corps where he proudly served his country as a Sergeant; after his
discharge, he earned his bachelor's degree from The University of Toledo
in Ohio; and
WHEREAS, Albert Vann furthered his education by obtaining his Master's
degree in Education from Yeshiva University in New York City, and a
Master's degree in Guidance and Counseling from Long Island University;
and
WHEREAS, After college, Dr. Albert Vann began a long career as an
educator at P.S. 256, JHS 35 and JHS 271, where he founded the African
American Teachers Association, before serving as an instructor at Vassar
College's Urban Center for Black Studies; as a community board member,
he played an instrumental role in the creation of Boys & Girls Memorial
High School and Medgar Evers College of The City University of New York;
and
WHEREAS, In 2001, Dr. Albert Vann was elected to the New York City
Council, where he established the Committee on Community Development,
and served as its Chairman for 12 years; he also created the 36th Coun-
cil District Katrina Relief Effort, the Black Brooklyn Empowerment
Convention, and was an advocate for the Black and Latino communities
through the Council's HIV/AIDS Faith-Based Initiative; and

WHEREAS, Educators like Dr. Albert Vann provide a tremendous service
to the future of our State and Nation, inspiring generations of young
people in their educational journeys and ensuring their success in their
future years; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Albert Vann has clearly had an enduring impact on the
youth of Brooklyn, as well as on the community-at-large, and accordingly
merits recognition and applause for his impressive dedication to others;
and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend the
efforts of those individuals who work to support our proud tradition of
public education by providing their skills and talents to our schools;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Dr. Albert Vann upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition by the Male Development and Empowerment Center at Medgar
Evers College of the City University of New York, on April 18, 2016; and
be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Dr. Albert Vann.