Senate Resolution No. 2228

BY: Senator PARKER

COMMENDING Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Gamma
Iota Lambda Chapter upon the occasion of hosting its
Juneteenth Summer Formal on June 18, 2022

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
pay tribute to organizations of true purpose and worthy accomplishment
which are dedicated to serving their community and to celebrating and
preserving their rich ethnic heritage; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Gamma Iota Lambda Chapter upon
the occasion of hosting its Juneteenth Summer Formal on Saturday, June
18, 2022, at Terrace on the Park, Corona, New York; and

WHEREAS, This auspicious event offers an opportunity for the Gamma
Iota Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. to present the
distinguished PHI Award to individuals who have made great
accomplishments and have helped to better their community; and

WHEREAS, Alpha Phi Alpha, the first intercollegiate Greek letter
fraternity established by African-Americans, was founded on December 4,
1906, at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, by seven visionary men,
now collectively known as the "Seven Jewels," who together with other
early leaders of Alpha Phi Alpha succeeded in laying a firm foundation
for the fraternity's principles of scholarship, fellowship, good
character and the uplifting of humanity; and

WHEREAS, Since its founding more than a century ago, Alpha Phi Alpha
has supplied voice and vision to the struggle of African-Americans and
people of color around the world; it has initiated over 185,000 men into
the organization and has been open to men of all races since 1940;
today, there are over 680 active Alpha chapters in the Americas, Africa,
Europe, Asia, the West Indies and the Virgin Islands; and

WHEREAS, Alpha Phi Alpha's numerous distinguished members include
W.E.B. DuBois, Adam Clayton Powell, Jr., Edward Brooke, Martin Luther
King, Jr., Thurgood Marshall, Andrew Young, Paul Robeson, Jesse Owens,
Hubert Humphrey, Maynard Jackson and numerous other American leaders who
have adopted the fraternity's principles of manly deeds, scholarship and
love for all mankind; and

WHEREAS, Alpha Phi Alpha evolved into a primarily community service
organization and has provided leadership and service during the Great
Depression, both World Wars and the Civil Rights Movement and continues
to address social, political and cultural issues affecting people of
color; and

WHEREAS, Under the luminous leadership of President, Dr. Maurice
Edwards, the Brooklyn-Long Island Alphas of the Gamma Iota Lambda Alumni
Chapter, in keeping with this fine tradition, continue to work to
develop leaders and to promote brotherhood and academic excellence while
providing service and advocacy for their community; and


WHEREAS, The Juneteenth Summer Formal has become Gamma Iota Lambda's
signature event at which it proudly celebrates Juneteenth, the oldest
known celebration of the ending of slavery, raises funds for its
Scholarship Program for first year college students and honors members
of the community who exemplify the principles of Alpha Phi Alpha and
help to support and further its mission; and

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

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Gamma Iota Lambda Chapter upon
the occasion of hosting its Juneteenth Summer Formal on June 18, 2022;
and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Gamma Iota Lambda
Chapter, Brooklyn, New York.