Senate Resolution No. 693

BY: Senator PARKER

HONORING Dr. Una S.T. Clarke upon the occasion of
her designation as recipient of the Shirley Chisholm
Award by the United Negro College Fund on March 21,
2019

WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of
certain extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their
valued contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly
acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among
us all; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Dr. Una S.T.
Clarke upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the Shirley
Chisholm Award by the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) to be celebrated
at its "A MIND IS..." Gala on Thursday, March 21, 2019, at The
Lighthouse, Pier 61, New York City; and

WHEREAS, Born in the parish of St. Elizabeth, Jamaica, West Indies,
Dr. Una S.T. Clarke migrated to the United States as a foreign student
in 1958; and

WHEREAS, The Honorable Una S.T. Clarke, the first Caribbean-born
woman elected to the New York City's legislature, is a proven and
dedicated leader whose hard work and tireless advocacy have brought
remarkable changes to her community; and

WHEREAS, An educator by profession, Dr. Una S.T. Clarke has
leveraged substantial funds to upgrade schools in her district, making
them technologically ready for the 21st century with computer labs in
every school and a model program for multi-media instruction; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Una S.T. Clarke also fought to expand services for the
elderly, rebuild parks and playgrounds and increase quality childcare
programs; and

WHEREAS, In June of 2015, New York City's Mayor Bill DeBlasio
appointed Dr. Una S.T. Clarke to the Board of Trustees of the City
University of New York (CUNY); and

WHEREAS, Dr. Una S.T. Clarke holds a Bachelor of Science degree from
Long Island University and a Masters of Education from New York
University, with additional post-graduate studies at Teachers College
and the School of Business at Columbia University; in November of 2005,
she received the honorary Doctor of Letters from the University of
Technology in Jamaica; and

WHEREAS, With her throughout have been her husband, Leslie Sr., and
their two children, Yvette and Leslie Jr., as well as three grandsons,
who have all shown her love and support and rejoice in her many
achievements; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals 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
honor Dr. Una S.T. Clarke upon the occasion of her designation as
recipient of the Shirley Chisholm Award by the United Negro College Fund
on March 21, 2019; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Dr. Una S.T. Clarke.