LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Mothers In Charge, Inc. for the
outstanding work they do in an effort to prevent violence

WHEREAS, It is the custom 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
Mothers In Charge, Inc. for the outstanding work they do in an effort to
prevent violence; and
WHEREAS, On June 6, 2015, they will host a National Rally in Washing-
ton, DC "Standing For Peace and Justice" and Mothers In Charge will
stand together to reduce violence and heal the communities; and
WHEREAS, Dorothy Johnson-Speight, MHS, LPC is the Founder and Execu-
tive Director of Mothers In Charge, Inc. (MIC); she is a highly regarded
leader, advocate, speaker, guest radio/television commentator and a
clarion voice against the war to end senseless acts of violent crime;
her work, though rooted in Philadelphia, has led to national appearances
and presentations across the United States and abroad; and
WHEREAS, A licensed family therapist, Dorothy Johnson-Speight is a
proponent for the rights of children and families; she has a distin-
guished career in victim advocacy; following the tragic murder of her
son Khaaliq Jabbar Johnson in 2001 over a parking space dispute, she,
along with other grieving mothers, founded MIC; and
WHEREAS, MIC, a grassroots organization whose mission is violence
prevention through education, engages in proactive intervention with
children, young adults, families and community organizations; its
mission is realized through collaborative partnerships with the school
districts, youth and faith-based and community organizations, and
government agencies, while providing grief support to families affected
by violence; and
WHEREAS, MIC advocates for families affected by violence and provides
counseling and grief support services for families when a loved one has
been murdered and is comprised of impassioned mothers, grandmothers,
aunts, and sisters who are committed to working towards saving lives;
and
WHEREAS, MIC chapter affiliates are established in San Francisco,
California, Los Angeles, California, Kansas City, Missouri, Atlantic
City, New Jersey, and Brooklyn, New York; and
WHEREAS, In May 2014, Mothers In Charge (MIC) hosted its second
national conference, The Cost Of Violence: The Journey From Pain to
Peace in Philadelphia; the conference offered an exciting line-up of
impassioned speakers, impactful and thought provoking panel discussions,
in addition to important skill-sharing workshops; the results driven
environment featured workshops on legislative organizing, restorative
justice, fund development and ways one begins the journey of healing and
the support needed; and
WHEREAS, MIC has most recently established Women Working For A Change
(WW4C), an onsite job training program for women who were formerly
incarcerated; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense 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
honor Mothers In Charge, Inc. for the outstanding work they do in an
effort to prevent violence; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Dorothy Johnson-Speight, MHS, LPC, Founder/Executive Direc-
tor, Mothers In Charge, Inc.