LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending The Women's League of Science and
Medicine, Inc. upon the occasion of celebrating its 56th Anniversary,
and paying tribute to the 2016 Scholarship recipients

WHEREAS, It is the sense 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 and individuals who 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 commend
The Women's League of Science and Medicine, Inc. upon the occasion of
celebrating its 56th Anniversary, and to pay tribute to the 2016 Schol-
arship recipients on Saturday, July 16, 2016; and
WHEREAS, This year, The Women's League of Science and Medicine, Inc.
will recognize the following Scholarship recipients: Kiara Benn, Amy
Blaise, Ashli Edwards, Malaika English, Dakembay Hoyte, Khoret A.
Hutson, Nia McCoy, Ahmin Thornhill, Gabriel Campuzano, Kayla Monae
Charles, Amira Gee, Tamara Marsh, Olivia Okeke, Brianna T. Smith and
Sydney Russell Wingo; and
WHEREAS, Established on March 6, 1960, The Women's League of Science
and Medicine, Inc. emanated from the foresight of two women, Reva M.
Anthony and Sarah Parsons Blow, who realized the need to prepare more
professionals in the field of science and medicine; and
WHEREAS, The League was incorporated and granted tax-exempt status in
its first year with a specific purpose of giving scholarships to
students pursuing careers in science, medicine, nursing and allied medi-
cine; and
WHEREAS, Now in its 56th year, this non-profit, non-sectarian organ-
ization has awarded more than 690 scholarships and citations to aspiring
students including high school, pre-med, and college students; and
WHEREAS, In addition, the League established an annual scholarship
fund in the Department of Education at Midwood High School's Science
Institute at Brooklyn College where 12 students have benefited from this
innovative program; the League has also donated to the United Negro
College Fund; and
WHEREAS, From 1993 to 2011, the League administered the prestigious
Vivian Harrison Scholarship Endowment Fund under the direction of Execu-
tor James R. James; this further enabled expansion of scholarships to
students in the fields of Law, Education, Social Science and Communi-
cation as well as the Arts; and
WHEREAS, The League is funded solely through dedicated sponsor members
and a host of 93 committed Honorary Members; in 2015, the League
presented its First 'Bridging The Gap To Success' Award to a 1982 recip-
ient, Joseph L. Wright, MD, MPH, a 1997 recipient Nikki Antoinette
Bethel-Grant, SVP HBO, Inc., and a 2007 recipient Amelia Rawlins, SAE
News 12 Brooklyn; and
WHEREAS, On March 10, 2012, the League elected its fourth President,
Beverly Jones-Lawrence, CEO; it had three past presidents, Sarah Parsons
Blow, who served faithfully for 15 Years, Reva M. Anthony who served
equally as well for 27 years, and Ellen Haywood who served for 10 years;
and
WHEREAS, The League continues to grow with dedicated officers and
members such as Loretta Van Bergen, Vice President; Dr. Cassandra White,
Recording Secretary; Shawnte' Robbins, Assistant Recording Secretary;
Deidre Pilgrim, Corresponding Secretary; Kimberly Vann, Treasurer; Daka-
to Haywood, Assistant Treasurer; Anna Belle, Founding Member and Treas-

urer Emeritus; Girlena Lawrence, Past Financial Secretary; and Aneesah
Saleem, Scholarship Chair; as well as Gail Richardson, Nadia Maxwell,
Sarah Washington, MD and Amelia Rawlins; 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
commend The Women's League of Science and Medicine, Inc. upon the occa-
sion of celebrating its 56th Anniversary, and to pay tribute to the 2016
Scholarship recipients; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to President, Beverly Jones-Lawrence, The Women's League of
Science and Medicine, Inc., and the aforementioned honorees.