Senate Resolution No. 3601

BY: Senator BENJAMIN

MOURNING the death of Leslie Wyche, community
advocate, distinguished citizen and devoted member
of his community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Leslie Wyche, a life-long Harlem resident known for years
as the uptown neighborhood's honorary mayor, died on Thursday, January
18, 2018, at the age of 73; and

WHEREAS, Though the title of Harlem's mayor was largely ceremonial,
Leslie Wyche saw the job as an opportunity for neighborhood advocacy;
and

WHEREAS, Leslie Wyche worked in the office of current state
Assemblywoman Inez Dickens during her time on the City Council, and
belonged to both the Omega Psi Phi fraternity and the advocacy group One
Hundred Black Men, Inc.; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to his
community, Leslie Wyche was a constant presence in the social scene
whose main interest was getting what was best for his beloved Harlem; he
served as district manager for Community Board 9 and 11; and

WHEREAS, Leslie Wyche also appeared in several scenes as an extra in
the movie "American Gangster," starring Denzel Washington; and

WHEREAS, Leslie Wyche's commitment to excellence, and his spirit of
humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including
charitable and civic endeavors; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Leslie Wyche leaves behind a legacy which will long endure
the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all he
served and befriended; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Leslie Wyche, community advocate, distinguished
citizen and devoted member of his community; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Leslie Wyche.