Senate Resolution No. 1346

BY: Senator PARKER

COMMENDING the W.A.N.T.E.D. Project upon the
occasion of hosting a community event on June 8,
2019

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize that
the quality and character of life in the communities across New York
State are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those
organizations and individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare
of the community and its citizenry; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend the W.A.N.T.E.D. Project upon the occasion of hosting a
community event on Saturday, June 8, 2019; and

WHEREAS, The W.A.N.T.E.D. Project was formed to ensure young men of
color are Worthy, Accountable, Named, Thankful, Empowered, and
Determined through a professionally developed curriculum, expert mentors
building community among participants, real conversations about the
challenges our youth face, and programs that are delivered domestically
and abroad; and

WHEREAS, The W.A.N.T.E.D. Project offers the extraordinary
experience of hearing from dynamic speakers with backgrounds in social
work, education, law enforcement, counseling, politics, and psychology
who spend time each week offering practical tools for avoiding and
surviving incidences of violence as well as coaching on self-esteem
building, clarifying individual identities and purposes, and staying
focused and inspired to complete their goals so they in turn can give
back to their communities; and

WHEREAS, Teenage violence and gang involvement escalated in the
1990s, and has remained high; youth violence can affect anyone, however,
some groups are more at risk than others; statistics show youth between
the ages of 12 and 24 are the most likely group to be victims of a
violent crime, and male teenagers are more likely to get into fights
than females, and much more likely to die as a result of violence; and

WHEREAS, Among teenagers, homicide is the leading cause of death for
African Americans, the second leading cause for Latinos, and the third
for Native Americans and Asian/Pacific Islanders; and

WHEREAS, It is found that teenagers who have trouble coping with
problems in healthy ways are more likely to be involved in youth
violence, and those without strong family ties, positive peer
influences, or commitment to school are more at risk; and

WHEREAS, In an attempt to stop this alarming trend, the W.A.N.T.E.D.
Project has diligently worked to equip generations of young men of color
to understand they are cared for, valued and have the right to be
protected and safe; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
associations of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens
of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the W.A.N.T.E.D. Project upon the occasion of hosting a
community event on June 8, 2019; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the W.A.N.T.E.D. Project.