LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Henry J. Carter upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of the 2016 Humanitarian Award by the New York
State Association of Black and Puerto Rican Legislators Inc.

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made signif-
icant contributions to the quality of life therein; and
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
organizations 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
Henry J. Carter upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the
2016 Humanitarian Award by the New York State Association of Black and
Puerto Rican Legislators Inc. which was celebrated at its 45th Legisla-
tive Conference held February 12-14, 2016, in Albany, New York; and
WHEREAS, Born in Tampa, Florida, Henry J. "Hank" Carter has been a
long-time resident of New York City since moving with his family as a
young child to live in the Queensbridge Projects in Long Island City;
and
WHEREAS, After graduating from Long Island City High School in 1961,
Henry J. Carter attended Baruch College for one year, before being
drafted into the United States Army in April of 1966; and
WHEREAS, During his time in the military, Henry J. Carter proudly
served his country during the Vietnam War from September 1967 to Septem-
ber 1968; he received numerous military honors, and excelled at boxing
and basketball, where he was voted the Most Valuable Player; and
WHEREAS, Following the completion of his military service at the
esteemed rank of Sergeant, Henry J. Carter returned to civilian life and
found that his old neighborhood had been overrun with drugs; and
WHEREAS, Seeking to make a difference in his community, he worked with
neighborhood kids to teach them both basketball and boxing in an effort
to provide the youth with a better focus and keep them off the streets;
and
WHEREAS, In 1966, Henry J. Carter began working as a teller at the
Long Island Savings Bank, where he diligently advanced through the ranks
to become Senior Executive Vice President by the time of his retirement;
and
WHEREAS, Henry J. Carter has been called upon to contribute his time
and talents to countless civic and charitable endeavors and has always
given of himself unstintingly; since 1972, he has dedicated himself to
bettering the lives of the people in wheelchairs; and
WHEREAS, After witnessing a friend become paralyzed, Henry J. Carter
has passionately worked as the founder of Wheelchair Charities, Inc. to
create a financial support system to enhance the quality of life for the
disabled; and
WHEREAS, Over the past 43 years, Wheelchair Charities, Inc. has
continuously strived to raise money to benefit people with disabilities
by donating such vital equipment as motorized wheelchairs, lightweight
wheelchairs, and speed wheelchairs for sports; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Wheelchair Charities, Inc. has purchased comput-
ers, televisions, and beds and mattresses, as well as specially equipped
buses for day trips around the New York City metropolitan area; they
have also constructed new facilities at Goldwater Memorial Hospital
including a new weight/exercise room and a greenhouse; and

WHEREAS, Moreover, Henry J. Carter has continued to serve as a leader
in the nearby Queensboro Houses, and organized an annual neighborhood
fundraising basketball tournament to help support activities for
patients of Goldwater Memorial Hospital; and
WHEREAS, Today, the Wheelchair Basketball Classic is a city-wide
competition with both boys and girls divisions which raises funds to
purchase a variety of specialized equipment for wheelchair-bound
patients; and
WHEREAS, Wheelchair Charities has accomplished so much in the past
four decades, but there is always more work that needs to be done;
through the generosity of its supporters and with the assistance of its
all-volunteer staff, Wheelchair Charities continues to support Roosevelt
Island's Coler Facility; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of Henry J. Carter's devotion and tireless
dedication to New Yorkers with disabilities, the New York City Health
and Hospitals Corporation named a hospital and nursing facility in his
honor; the Henry J. Carter Specialty Hospital and Nursing Facility truly
benefits New York City's neediest paraplegic and quadriplegic patients;
and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of his community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Henry J. Carter has stood constant
in dignity, good grace and humor; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Henry J. Carter has displayed
throughout his life; 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 Henry J. Carter upon the occasion of his designation as recipient
of the 2016 Humanitarian Award by the New York State Association of
Black and Puerto Rican Legislators Inc.; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Henry J. Carter.