LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION paying tribute to this year's honorees in
conjunction with the observance of Black History Month at the "Honoring
Our Local Heroes" celebration on February 28, 2015

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body, in keeping with its
time-honored traditions, to recognize and pay tribute to those events
and individuals who foster ethnic pride and enhance the profile of
cultural diversity which strengthens the fabric of the communities of
New York State; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize these
important events which remind us of the rich and diverse heritage of our
great State and Nation; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to pay trib-
ute to this year's honorees in conjunction with the observance of Black
History Month at the "Honoring Our Local Heroes" celebration, to be held
at the Wayside Manor, Brooklyn, New York, on Saturday, February 28,
2015; this year's keynote speaker is Congressman Hakeem Jeffries; and
WHEREAS, This year's illustrious honorees include Congresswoman Yvette
D. Clarke, 9th District; M. Zidde Hamatheite, Pastor of Wayside Baptist
Church; Scott Schuster, Kings Collegiate Charter School; Detective Dawn
Townsend, New York Police Department Brooklyn, North; Deacon Elwood
Whitney, Entrepreneur; and Reverend Dr. Robert Waterman, African Ameri-
can Clergy Elected Officials; and
WHEREAS, February has been designated as Black History Month in our
Nation to celebrate and recognize the contributions of the Black commu-
nity; this joyful month-long celebration is held across New York State
and America to fittingly note the contributions of African Americans
throughout history and in all fields of endeavor; and
WHEREAS, Black History Month is a time to reflect on the struggles and
victories of African Americans throughout our country's history and to
recognize their numerous valuable contributions to the protection of our
democratic society in times of war and in peace; and
WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a
long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned the
recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to pay
tribute to this year's honorees in conjunction with the observance of
Black History Month at the "Honoring Our Local Heroes" celebration on
February 28, 2015; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the aforementioned honorees.