Senate Resolution No. 5789

BY: Senator HAMILTON

COMMENDING the Gamma Iota Lambda Chapter of Alpha
Phi Alpha Fraternity upon the occasion of
celebrating its 73rd Anniversary

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend those
illustrious organizations within the State of New York whose focus and
intent have made a substantial impact on the quality of life in their
communities; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend the Gamma Iota Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity upon
the occasion of celebrating its 73rd Anniversary; and

WHEREAS, Gamma Iota Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity was
founded May 5, 1945, in New York; with a nation facing the aftermath of
World War II and grappling with issues of social and economic equity for
all its citizens, 11 dedicated men chartered the club to improve the
conditions of the black masses in the borough of Brooklyn; the charter
members included: Cecil Foster, Claude Franklin, George Grissom, James
Hairston, Joseph Johnson, Frank McCoy, Herbert T. Miller, Judge Myles A.
Paige, Sandy Ray, Albert Smith, and Franklin Williams; Brother Miller
served as the chapter's first president; and

WHEREAS, In the mid-1950s, as some members of the chapter moved to
parts of Long Island, Gamma Iota Lambda's commitment to serving those
most in need was extended to these areas as well and became incorporated
as an integral component of the chapter's mission; and

WHEREAS, In this noble effort, Gamma Iota Lambda were joined by the
Alpha Wives Club of Brooklyn - Long Island; this valuable partnership
has continued to this day, and has been responsible in generating
scholarship, educational aid and spiritual uplift for countless young
black men and women in the greater New York metropolitan area; and

WHEREAS, For over seven decades, Alpha Phi Alpha has strived to
develop leaders, promote brotherhood and academic excellence, while
providing service and advocacy for its communities; to this day, Gamma
Iota Lambda remains true to that mission; and

WHEREAS, Each and every member of Gamma Iota Lambda Chapter of Alpha
Phi Alpha Fraternity is mindful of the legacy afforded to them by their
pioneering charter members which continues to this day, and is ever
inspired to be "First of all, Servants of all"; and

WHEREAS, The success of the Gamma Iota Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi
Alpha Fraternity is in direct correlation to the efforts of its members,
whose involvement is, and always has been, characterized by an
impressive commitment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising
standard of excellence in all endeavors on behalf of the fraternity and
the population it serves; and

WHEREAS, In light of its commitment, dedication, and successful
efforts, it is the sense of this Legislative Body to extend its highest
commendation to the Gamma Iota Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha
Fraternity; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 73rd Anniversary of the Gamma Iota Lambda Chapter of
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Gamma Iota Lambda Alumni Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha
Fraternity.