Senate Resolution No. 696

BY: Senator PARKER

HONORING Edward Lewis upon the occasion of his
designation as Honorary Chair by UNCF at its "A MIND
IS..." Gala 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 Edward Lewis
upon the occasion of his designation as Honorary Chair by UNCF at its "A
MIND IS..." Gala on Thursday, March 21, 2019, at The Lighthouse, Pier
61, New York City; and

WHEREAS, Born on May 15, 1940, in the Bronx, New York, Edward Lewis
grew up impoverished in the projects of the South Bronx, a neighborhood
plagued at the time by drug addiction and violence; nevertheless, his
parents instilled in him a strong work ethic and desire to succeed; and

WHEREAS, Edward Lewis attended De Witt Clinton High School, where he
excelled academically and was a star fullback on the football team; he
went on to earn a bachelor's degree in political science from the
University of New Mexico in 1964; and

WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his studies, Edward Lewis landed a
job as a financial analyst at First National City Bank in New York City;
he was steadily rising through the ranks when in 1968, he attended a
conference on blacks in the business world and left with a newfound
determination to start his own uniquely black business; and

WHEREAS, One year later, Edward Lewis co-founded Essence magazine, a
magazine specifically targeted to black women; and

WHEREAS, The first issue of Essence was published in May of 1970,
with a modest print run of 50,000 copies; since then, the magazine has
grown into what the New York Times calls the "pre-eminent voice for
black women," with a readership of more than 7.5 million; and

WHEREAS, Propelled by the extraordinary success of Essence, Edward
Lewis expanded Essence Communications to include a weekly television
show, fashion line and mail order catalogue, as well as an annual awards
show and music festival; in addition, he founded Latina magazine, a
bilingual publication geared toward Hispanic women in 1995; and

WHEREAS, Overcoming much adversity, Edward Lewis has become one of
the most successful and respected magazine publishers in the country;
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 Edward Lewis upon the occasion of his designation as Honorary
Chair by UNCF at its "A MIND IS..." Gala on March 21, 2019; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Edward Lewis.