Senate Resolution No. 4224

BY: Senator PARKER

HONORING April Simpson upon the occasion of her
designation for special recognition by Healthfirst,
on March 29, 2018, in conjunction with the
observance of Women's History Month

WHEREAS, The State of New York is home to countless women who have
contributed to the advancement of our culture through both their
traditional and non-traditional roles in society; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
April Simpson upon the occasion of her designation for special
recognition by Healthfirst, to be observed at its Community Award
Celebration at Maestro's Caterers, Bronx, New York, on Thursday, March
29, 2018, in conjunction with the observance of Women's History Month;
this year's award celebration theme is "Groundbreakers and Herstory
Makers of Today"; and

WHEREAS, April Simpson is being recognized for demonstrating an
unwavering commitment to being a voice in the community and is focused
on issues that are important to its residents; this exceptional woman
reflects the fabric of her city and works daily to improve conditions
for others; and

WHEREAS, A lifelong resident of the Queensbridge Houses, April
Simpson has served as the President of the Queensbridge Houses Resident
Association, Inc., since 2013; she is also the Vice Chair of the Queens
District Council of Presidents; and

WHEREAS, April Simpson studied social work at York College but, due
to a diagnosis of CML, a rare form of Leukemia, and losing part of her
vision, she was unable to finish; and

WHEREAS, April Simpson decided to focus on working in her community;
she brought back an Annual Basketball Tournament for Youth which was
absent for 15 years and implemented Inter generational events to bridge
the gap between youth and seniors, such as the Annual Family Day; and

WHEREAS, Under her skilled leadership, the QB Resident Association
was able to assist 60 residents in obtaining OSHA Training for Free,
Film and Media, Career Development Workshops, plus collaborate with
other community organizations to bring vital resources to the community;
and

WHEREAS, April Simpson is an active member of several community and
civil rights organizations, including the New York City Department of
Youth and Community Development Neighborhood Advisory Board, the NAACP,
and the Perkins Advisory Board at LaGuardia Community College; and

WHEREAS, April Simpson is the proud mother of three children and
stepmother of six, and the loving wife of Daniel L. Taylor of almost 21
years, all of whom have showed her love and support and rejoice in her
many achievements; and


WHEREAS, It is the sense of his 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 April Simpson upon the occasion of her designation for special
recognition by Healthfirst, on March 29, 2018, in conjunction with the
observance of Women's History Month; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to April Simpson.