Senate Resolution No. 114

BY: Senator BRESLIN

HONORING Mark Emanatian upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of the Jim Perry
Progressive Leadership Award by Capital District
Citizen Action on October 20, 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
significant 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 Mark
Emanatian upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the Jim
Perry Progressive Leadership Award by Capital District Citizen Action to
be celebrated at its 24th Annual Awards Dinner on Thursday, October 20,
2016, at the Desmond Hotel, Albany, New York; and

WHEREAS, The Jim Perry Progressive Leadership Awards are named in
honor of Jim Perry, a founding member of Capital District Citizen
Action; it is with the memories of his actions and words that this vital
organization recognizes those who have demonstrated a commitment to
community activism and leadership; and

WHEREAS, Mark Emanatian is being honored with this auspicious award
for his role as one of the area's most dedicated, inspiring activists
and leaders who has spent countless hours working to make his community
a stronger, more just place to live; and

WHEREAS, Mark Emanatian comes from a working class town and a
working class family; for decades, he has been active in union
organizing and strike support, anti-war and peace groups, anti-racist
and anti-apartheid movements, defense of women's rights and equality,
the fight for jobs and socialism, climate change and environmental
causes and the struggle for civil liberties and democracy; and

WHEREAS, An organizer, teacher, garment worker and musician, Mark
Emanatian has lived and worked in Minneapolis, Philadelphia, Louisville,
Boston and the Capital District; and

WHEREAS, Mark Emanatian currently serves as the Senior Field
Coordinator for the Capital District Area Labor Federation, prior to
which, he spent five years as the Capital District Organizer at Citizen
Action of New York; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an
individual for the benefit of others which Mark Emanatian has displayed
throughout his life; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, 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 Mark Emanatian upon the occasion of his designation as recipient
of the Jim Perry Progressive Leadership Award by Capital District
Citizen Action on October 20, 2016; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Mark Emanatian.