Senate Resolution No. 1428

BY: Senator MONTGOMERY

HONORING Nija Clarke upon the occasion of her
designation as recipient of the Harambee Achievement
Award by the National Council of Negro Women, Inc.
on April 8, 2017

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
pay tribute to those young people within the great Empire State who have
made strong contributions to their communities and who serve as role
models for their peers; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, it is the intent of this Legislative Body to
honor Nija Clarke upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of
the Harambee Achievement Award by the National Council of Negro Women,
Inc., to be feted at its 32nd Annual Harambee Celebration on Saturday,
April 8, 2017, at the Medgar Evers College Cafeteria, in Brooklyn, New
York; and

WHEREAS, The National Council of Negro Women, Inc. (NCNW) is a body
of national African American women's organizations and community based
sections; founded in 1935 by Mary McLeod Bethune, the NCNW strives to
lead, develop, and advocate for women of African descent as they support
their families and communities through research, and national and
community-based services and programs on health, education, and economic
empowerment issues in both the United States and Africa; and

WHEREAS, Through 39 national affiliates and more than 240 sections,
NCNW has reached and supported nearly four million women; and

WHEREAS, The Brooklyn Section of the National Council of Negro
Women, Inc. was organized on January 22, 1962, at the Bedford YMCA by
Odessa L. Skeene, and received its Charter on March 12, 1962; and

WHEREAS, The Brooklyn Section maintains a strong commitment to its
young people through education, outreach programs, counseling and
recognition; it sponsors community ventures to enhance the health and
social services of residents through seminars, health fairs and voter
registration campaigns for self-empowerment; and

WHEREAS, Nija Clarke is receiving this prestigious award for her
exemplary academic accomplishments, community service and church
activities; and

WHEREAS, Nija Clarke was born in Brooklyn, New York, on March 26,
2000; ever since her birth, she has always been a confident, captivating
and jubilant child; as a youngster she won the hearts of her teachers as
a fast learner and team player; and

WHEREAS, An exceptional student, Nija Clarke attended P.S. 208 (Elsa
Ebeling School); she then graduated with honors from M. S. 354; today,
she attends John Dewey High School, where she maintains a strong 85%
average; and

WHEREAS, Currently, Nija Clarke is enrolled in the pre-med health
house with plans on going to medical school; in the summer of 2016, she
served as a recreational aide at the Auburn Assessment Center; and

WHEREAS, Nija Clarke is a faithful member of St. Leonard's Church,
where she is a vital and dedicated participant of the Usher's Guild, the
young adult ministry, and Sunday school; she also enjoys serving as a
liturgical reader; and

WHEREAS, Poised eagerly with enthusiasm and determined purpose, this
scholar now stands honorably, with just pride in her accomplishments and
in eager anticipation of future challenges, understanding and
appreciating the caring counsel and support provided by her teachers,
minister, and family; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Nija Clarke upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of
the Harambee Achievement Award by the National Council of Negro Women,
Inc.; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Nija Clarke.