Senate Resolution No. 5471

BY: Senator KENNEDY

HONORING Rashied McDuffie upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of the Medgar Evers Civil
Rights Award by the Buffalo Branch NAACP

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; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Rashied McDuffie upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of
the Medgar Evers Civil Rights Award by the NAACP, to be celebrated on
Saturday, June 9, 2018; and

WHEREAS, As an Assistant Corporation Counsel with the City of
Buffalo Department of Law, Rashied McDuffie defends the City in complex
and challenging city and state actions; and

WHEREAS, Rashied McDuffie began his illustrious career in government
as a Legislative Assistant and then Chief of Staff to a city council
member; his tireless efforts in these positions resulted in substantial
investments for various capital projects in Western New York, such as
the Frank E. Merriweather Library; and

WHEREAS, In June of 2005, Rashied McDuffie left his Chief of Staff
position to attend the University of Miami School of Law; and

WHEREAS, While earning his law degree, this extraordinary man
maintained full-time employment and held leadership roles in several
campus organizations, including the Black Law Students Association and
Student Government; and

WHEREAS, In addition to his leadership roles, Rashied McDuffie
presented numerous CLE trainings for local attorneys and nonprofits and
was subsequently named a Public Fellow by the University of Miami School
of Law; and

WHEREAS, Rashied McDuffie worked on Hillary Clinton's Presidential
Campaign, during which time he organized events with both Hillary and
Bill Clinton, and served as an advisor on urban and faith-based policy
matters; he also worked as the Deputy Finance Associate to Florida
Congressman Ron Klein; and

WHEREAS, After completing his time in campaigns, Rashied McDuffie
utilized his talents to serve as Executive Director to the New York
State Senate Committee on Environmental Conservation, and as a state
environmental law advisor to the Senate Majority Whip; and

WHEREAS, Rashied McDuffie then served as District Director to a
member of the House of Representatives in Houston, Texas, before coming
back to Buffalo to hold his current position; and


WHEREAS, A true asset to his profession, Rashied McDuffie serves as
President of the Minority Bar Association and is a member of the New
York State and State of Florida Bar Associations; and

WHEREAS, Rashied McDuffie is also a member of the Erie County
Charter Revision Commission, the Michigan Street African American
Heritage Corridor Commission, and the Community Health Center of Buffalo
Executive Board; and

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

WHEREAS, It has always been the objective of this Legislative Body
to honor and support those individuals who have displayed their
commitment to the betterment of their communities, and it is the intent
of this Legislative Body to inscribe upon its records, this tribute to
Rashied McDuffie, that future generations may know and appreciate his
admirable character, his many benevolent deeds, and the respect and
esteem in which he is held by his peers; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Rashied McDuffie upon the occasion of his designation as recipient
of the Medgar Evers Civil Rights Award by the Buffalo Branch NAACP; and
be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Rashied McDuffie.