Senate Resolution No. 961

BY: Senator STAVISKY

MOURNING the death of Helen M. Marshall, first
Black Borough President of Queens, champion of
public libraries, and devoted wife, mother and
grandmother

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to mourn publicly
the death of cherished citizens of the State of New York who
distinguished themselves in their profession and in service to their
community; and

WHEREAS, With feelings of deepest regret, this Legislative Body
records the passing of Helen M. Marshall, who died on Saturday, March 4,
2017, at the age of 87, noting the loss of a citizen whose purposeful
life and endeavors contributed so much to the quality of life in her
community; and

WHEREAS, Helen M. Marshall was born in Harlem, New York, on
September 30, 1929, to Guyanese immigrants; after earning her bachelor's
degree in education, she served as an early childhood teacher for eight
years; and

WHEREAS, A larger-than-life figure in the civic life of Queens,
Helen M. Marshall fought to improve schools, addressed numerous
quality-of-life issues and was instrumental in securing a fair share of
New York City resources for the borough of Queens; and

WHEREAS, Helen M. Marshall began her distinguished public service
career as an advocate for her East Elmhurst neighborhood where she
diligently worked to provide job training programs and stimulate the
local economy; and

WHEREAS, In 1982, Helen M. Marshall won the first of five terms to
the New York State Assembly; in this capacity, she served as a tireless
advocate for the needs of children, families and the elderly in her
district; and

WHEREAS, Well-liked and respected by many, Helen M. Marshall was
then elected to the City Council, a position she held for 10 years; and

WHEREAS, In 2001, Helen M. Marshall was the first African-American,
and the second woman, to be elected to the esteemed position of Queens
Borough President, a title she would hold for three consecutive terms
until her retirement in 2013; and

WHEREAS, Known as a big-hearted fighter, Helen M. Marshall entered
office with a detailed list of priorities, which staff members
affectionately called the Marshall Plan for Queens; and

WHEREAS, Helen M. Marshall championed Queens tourism and new
development across the borough, supporting the expansion of the Billie
Jean King National Tennis Center at Flushing Meadows Corona Park and the
plan to redevelop the Willets Point industrial area; and

WHEREAS, A passionate supporter of Queens culture, Helen M. Marshall
thoroughly enjoyed the local art scene, praised famous residents and
their accomplishments, honored war heroes, and cheered for the Mets; in
2016, a cultural center built at Queens Borough Hall was dedicated in
Helen's name; and

WHEREAS, Helen M. Marshall created the Queens General Assembly which
promoted cross-cultural exchanges among ethnic groups; she truly
believed that people should visit Queens and see the world; and

WHEREAS, Known for her firm trust in the power of knowledge, Helen
M. Marshall promoted reading as the catalyst for our students' future
academic success, their preparation for America's jobs of the future,
and their ability to compete in a global economy by procuring
significant funds for numerous library projects in Queens; in her role
as the first Director of the Langston Hughes Library, she was the
recipient of the 2005 Daniel W. Casey Library Advocacy Award; and

WHEREAS, Always available to lend a helping hand, Helen M. Marshall
relished talking to her constituents, and appreciated their feedback;
during the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy in October of 2012, she helped
people evacuate to safety; and

WHEREAS, When she was not working or helping others, Helen M.
Marshall enjoyed spending summers with her family in Sag Harbor, New
York; after her much deserved retirement, she moved to California; and

WHEREAS, Helen M. Marshall is survived by her son, Donald Marshall,
Jr.; daughter, Agnes Marie Marshall; two grandchildren, Chandler and
Chose; and a sister, Joan Suger; and

WHEREAS, A woman of great compassion and sensitivity, Helen M.
Marshall's legacy extends far beyond her accomplishments as a successful
public servant; her sincere concern for others, her integrity,
unconditional friendship and selfless motivation to give of herself will
long stand as a beacon for those who would aspire to serve in their
community; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
pay tribute to the memory of Helen M. Marshall, to celebrate her life,
and honor her accomplishments; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Helen M. Marshall.