Senate Resolution No. 1947

BY: Senator MONTGOMERY

HONORING Christopher Banks upon the occasion of
his designation as recipient of the Man of
Distinction Award by The Brooklyn Club of the
National Association of Negro Business and
Professional Women's Clubs, Inc. on April 29, 2017

WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of
certain extraordinary individuals and organizations 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 Christopher
Banks upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the Man of
Distinction Award by The Brooklyn Club of the National Association of
Negro Business and Professional Women's Clubs, Inc. to be celebrated at
its 50th Annual Founders' Day Observance Luncheon on Saturday, April 29,
2017, at Gargiulos Restaurant in Brooklyn, New York; and

WHEREAS, The theme for this auspicious occasion is entitled "72
Years of L.E.T.S. - Leaders Exemplary Timeless Service; Marching forward
with a purpose"; each year, The Brooklyn Club acknowledges its Founders;
"the shoulders on which we stand and the role and responsibility we have
to prepare our young people for the future"; and

WHEREAS, The Brooklyn Club is a chapter of the National Association
of Negro Business and Professional Women's Clubs, Inc. (NANBPWC, Inc.),
which provides opportunities for women to increase their leadership
skills, experience governance and parliamentary procedures, and enhance
their educational awareness of issues impacting the black community
through volunteerism; and

WHEREAS, Christopher Banks is receiving this prestigious award for
his steadfast and unremitting commitment to his community; and

WHEREAS, Born to immigrant parents from Trinidad and Tobago,
Christopher Banks witnessed the struggles of disenfranchised individuals
in his Brooklyn community, greatly influencing his dedication to public
service and advocacy; and

WHEREAS, Christopher Banks attended New York City Public High School
of Leadership and Public Service; he earned his degree in political
science from the John Jay College of Criminal Justice, and is currently
enrolled at Dartmouth University of Massachusetts Extension Degree
Program where he is completing his studies; and

WHEREAS, Realizing his dream of giving back to his community,
Christopher Banks is co-Founder/Executive Director of the East New York
United Concerned Citizens, Inc., a social service, non-profit
organization which has developed comprehensive programs for the
community which combat poverty, increase awareness of important urban
issues, generate leadership by distribution of resource materials, and
conduct workshops and lectures for residents; and


WHEREAS, East New York United Concerned Citizens, Inc. also promotes
the well-being and betterment of the community by organizing, funding,
sponsoring community events and programs for generations of residents,
from young people to seniors meeting in recreational settings to discuss
neighborhood concerns and issues; and

WHEREAS, Over the past 15 years, Christopher Banks has diligently
focused his efforts on several areas including senior, youth,
homeowners, tenant rights and providing a host of social services for
the East New York Community; and

WHEREAS, Christopher Banks has worked in partnership with
organizations such as NYC Citizens Committee, ENY Development
Corporation, Linden Houses Resident Association, Emerald Green Houses
Resident Association, Justice Fund, East New York Council for the Aging,
National Action Network, Italian American Civil Rights League, The East
New York Coalition, Inc., Brooklyn Rule Breakers, and The National
Association of Negro Business, as well as the Professional Women's
Brooklyn Club; and

WHEREAS, In addition to his valuable work with East New York United
Concerned Citizens, Inc., Christopher Banks was appointed to Community
Board No. 5, where he served on the Executive Board holding the
positions of Sergeant-at-Arms, and co-Chair of the Transportation
Committee, Aging Committee, Youth Services Committee and Public Safety
Committee; and

WHEREAS, Christopher Banks has also held the title of President of
the Negro Business Professional Women's Youth Club and was an advisory
member of the Pink Houses Cornerstone Program; and

WHEREAS, Moreover, Christopher Banks was hired as a consultant by
The Italian American Civil Rights League, Inc., as a Community Inclusion
Specialist at The Federation of Multicultural Programs, Inc., as an
Adolescent Services Coordinator by the Police Athletic League, Inc., as
a Cornerstone Center Director for East New York Development Corporation;
and

WHEREAS, Currently, Christopher Banks works as a consultant for
Covenant House, holds the position of Vice-President of the 75th
Precinct Community Council, and is the President of United VanSiclen
Avenue Block Association, Inc.; and

WHEREAS, A faithful member of the Changing Lives Christian Center,
this innovative, charismatic and dynamic young man strives to empower
and change the dynamics of his community and the world; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and
sustained commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their
profession, 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 Christopher Banks upon the occasion of his designation as
recipient of the Man of Distinction Award by The Brooklyn Club of the

National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women's Clubs,
Inc.; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Christopher Banks.