LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Marcus O. Brown, Sr. for his outstanding
service to the black community to be celebrated at a Juneteenth Event on
June 18, 2016

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, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of certain
extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their valued
contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly
acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among
us all; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Marcus O.
Brown, Sr. for his outstanding service to the black community to be
celebrated at a Juneteenth Event on Saturday, June 18, 2016; and
WHEREAS, Growing up on the East Side of Buffalo, New York, Marcus O.
Brown, Sr. graduated from Bennett High School before attending Tennessee
State University; and
WHEREAS, After taking a job as a teacher's aide at Clinton Junior High
School, now known as Buffalo Academy for the Visual and Performing Arts,
the principal noticed his exceptional talents as he worked with students
with special needs, and convinced Marcus to return to school and become
a teacher; and
WHEREAS, Marcus O. Brown, Sr. earned his Bachelor's degree and his
Master's degree from the University at Buffalo and The State University
of Buffalo respectively; and
WHEREAS, After teaching students with special needs in the Buffalo
Public School system for more than 40 years, Marcus O. Brown, Sr.
retired in 2002; he continues to work part time at Erie County Health
Care Center; and
WHEREAS, A true asset to the community, Marcus O. Brown, Sr. has
served as a football coach for inner-city youth, and as director and
co-founder of the Crusaders Marching Unit for more than 42 years; he is
co-founder of the New York State Drill Team Championships and Step Show,
board member of the N.I.C.Y.O., a member of the Board of Directors for
H.O.M.E., and has served as President of the Juneteenth Festival Inc.
for over 23 years; and
WHEREAS, Marcus O. Brown, Sr. has been the proud recipient of numerous
awards and accolades from such organizations as the Mad Dads, National
Inner Cities Youth Opportunities (NICYO), and the Common Council; in
addition, he was selected as one of the Black Achievers in 2005; and
WHEREAS, A faithful member of the Mount Olive Baptist Church, Marcus
O. Brown, Sr. sings in the Male Choir and the Combine Choir; he also
sings in an R&B group called the Old School B-Boys; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Gail, and three chil-
dren, Marcus Jr., Precious and Langston, as well as nine grandchildren,
all of whom feel privileged to be a part of his life and rejoice in his
achievements; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Marcus O. Brown, Sr. 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 Marcus O. Brown, Sr. for his outstanding service to the black

community to be celebrated at a Juneteenth Event on June 18, 2016; and
be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Marcus O. Brown, Sr.