Senate Resolution No. 3142

BY: Senator PARKER

MOURNING the death of Jonathan Adewumi, New
York-based restaurateur, businessman and
distinguished member of his community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Jonathan Adewumi, one of Brooklyn's staunchest advocates
for African culture and cooking, has died at the age of 57, due to
complications related to the novel coronavirus; and

WHEREAS, Born in Nigeria, Jonathan Adewumi moved to the United
States as a child; and

WHEREAS, He was an alumnus of Utica College, Class of 1986, and a
member of the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity; furthermore, he was a
cherished member of New York's African community, dedicated to advancing
its culture and providing mentorship to young people following in his
footsteps, many of whom affectionately referred to him as Uncle
Jonathan; and

WHEREAS, A humble legend, Jonathan Abewumi's ability to pivot not
only gave him the wisdom he was able to share with younger Africans, but
his consistency, compassion and humor made it easy to be around him; and

WHEREAS, Jonathan Adewumi was a partner in the family-owned Nigerian
restaurant, Amarachi Restaurant and Bar, located in Brooklyn, New York;
and

WHEREAS, This extraordinary man helped create a unique space for
people to congregate while enjoying good food and hospitality; and

WHEREAS, Jonathan Adewumi distinguished himself in his profession
and by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the
welfare of his community; and

WHEREAS, Jonathan Adewumi's commitment to excellence, and his spirit
of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including
charitable and civic endeavors; and

WHEREAS, Jonathan Adewumi was involved in everything from an African
Film Festival to bringing traditional African clothing to the forefront
of fashion before it became a thing; and

WHEREAS, Although he was a local leader, Jonathan Adewumi was also
involved in connecting the diaspora globally; he founded the travel
company Homeland Travels and Tours, which is described as a gateway to
guided tours of Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa and Kenya; and

WHEREAS, Jonathan Adewumi is survived by his son, Jonathan Adewumi
Jr.; two sisters, Elizabeth Body-Lawson and Chief Joyce Adewumi; two

brothers, Samuel Adewumi and Joseph "Bub" (Maxine) Adewumi; and five
nieces, Angelica and Isis Body-Lawson, Shola Adewumi, Rhema Adewumi and
Sade Adewumi; as well as one nephew, Joseph Adewumi Jr.; and

WHEREAS, He will be remembered for his commitment to community and
culture; he was always serving a community, whether it was Brooklyn,
Africans or Kappas, he always offered a sanctuary for gathering and
fellowship; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Jonathan Adewumi leaves behind a legacy which will long
endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all
he served and befriended; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Jonathan Adewumi, and to express its deepest
condolences to the family; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Jonathan Adewumi.