LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Barry D. Walston upon the occasion of
his designation as recipient of the LGBT Community Advocacy Award by In
Our Own Voices, Inc. on July 17, 2016

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 honor
Barry D. Walston upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of
the LGBT Community Advocacy Award by In Our Own Voices, Inc., to be
celebrated at its Annual Jazz in July Event on Sunday, July 17, 2016, at
the State Room, Albany, New York; and
WHEREAS, In Our Own Voices, Inc. is an autonomous organization dedi-
cated to addressing the many needs and ensuring the physical, mental,
spiritual, political, cultural, and economic survival and growth of the
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender People of Color (LGBT POC) commu-
nity in the Capital Region of Upstate New York; and
WHEREAS, The LGBT Community Advocacy Award is given to an individual
or organization that is committed to creating change in Lesbian, Gay,
Bisexual and Transgender People of Color communities; Barry D. Walston
is one such individual; and
WHEREAS, Born and raised in North Carolina, Barry D. Walston earned a
bachelor's degree and a Master of Social Work from the University at
Albany School of Social Welfare; and
WHEREAS, A lifelong activist who prides himself on being his "broth-
er's keeper", Barry D. Walston is currently employed by the New York
State Department of Health AIDS Institute in the Bureau Division of HIV
as a Contract Manager where he pilots initiatives within the Division of
HIV Prevention; and
WHEREAS, Prior to serving in this capacity, Barry D. Walston was the
Director of the Whitney M. Young Methadone Maintenance Treatment Program
located in Albany, New York; he has spent the majority of his illustri-
ous career working in human services and supporting programs that
service populations at risk; and
WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to social advocacy
and activism, Barry D. Walston serves as President of the Albany Affil-
iate Black Child Development Institute, and President of Literacy New
York of the Greater Capital Region; he is also the Grants Chair of the
Albany Fund for Education; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, Barry D. Walston is passionate about youth
development and gives of his time and energy to local mentoring programs
where he supports youth of color within the Albany City School District
to reach their fullest potential; and
WHEREAS, Our society is greatly benefited by the purposeful efforts of
individuals who unite for the cause of improving the quality of life for
others, and who proactively work toward the goal of dignity for all;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Barry D. Walston upon the occasion of his designation as recipi-
ent of the LGBT Community Advocacy Award by In Our Own Voices, Inc., and
to wish this exemplary man continued success in his vital work on behalf
of the community he serves; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Barry D. Walston.