Senate Resolution No. 854

BY: Senator SERRANO

MOURNING the death of former Assemblymember and
Bronx Deputy Borough President Aurelia Greene,
renowned public servant and devoted member of her
community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend those individuals of outstanding purpose whose lives were
committed to public service and the pursuit of excellence in the conduct
of the legislative process in this noble Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Aurelia Greene of the Bronx, New York, died on Saturday,
May 8, 2021, at the age of 86; and

WHEREAS, Born in the Bronx, Aurelia Greene graduated from the former
Central Commercial High School in Manhattan; later, she attended
Livingston College at Rutgers University where she majored in Community
Development, and then entered politics; and

WHEREAS, In 1982, Aurelia Greene was first elected to the New York
State Assembly to represent the 77th District, which includes the
communities of Highbridge, Claremont, East/West Concourse and Morris
Heights; and

WHEREAS, For the next 27 years, Assemblymember Aurelia Greene
applied her urban planning skills and knowledge of her community to
negotiate and sponsor legislation bettering the South Bronx by
strengthening affordable housing and healthcare, quality education,
senior and youth services and economic development; and

WHEREAS, Throughout her tenure, this trailblazing legislator
diligently worked to give lasting voice to the underrepresented; upon
joining the Assembly, Aurelia Greene became a founding member of the New
York State Association of Black and Puerto Rican Legislators, Inc., as
well as The Women's Caucus, and went on to become the first woman to
chair the Banking Committee; in 2006, she was elevated to serve as the
first African American Speaker Pro Tempore of the New York State
Assembly; and

WHEREAS, In 1994, Assemblymember Aurelia Greene was awarded a gold
helmet by the New York State Head Injury Association for her legislation
improving bicycle safety; she authored the landmark Motor Vehicle
Leasing Act, sponsored the Interstate Bank Branching & ATM Safety Act of
1996, and was instrumental in driving legislation to prohibit predatory
lending practices and protect consumers against abuses in the subprime
lending market, which became law in 2002; and

WHEREAS, Following her historic time in the New York State
Legislature, and after becoming the longest serving Member of the
Assembly in Bronx County and ascending to the Chair of the State
Assembly's Bronx Delegation, Aurelia Greene assumed the role of Deputy
Bronx Borough President in 2009; in this capacity, she continued to
apply her expertise and compassion as a stabilizing force in the

betterment of the Bronx through her retirement from public service in
2017; and

WHEREAS, In 2018, Aurelia Greene was honored with a Key to the Bronx
marking her 50 years of outstanding public service to her community; and

WHEREAS, Aurelia Greene's commitment to community carried well
beyond her professional role; a woman of faith, she was a leader at
Bronx Christian Charismatic Prayer Fellowship where she managed church
finances, taught Sunday school, organized events and ministered to
parishioners; and

WHEREAS, Aurelia Greene also taught at Antioch College and lectured
at numerous universities and colleges in the New York City area; and

WHEREAS, Predeceased by her husband, Reverend Jerome A. Greene,
Aurelia Greene is survived by one daughter, Rhonda; one son, Russell;
five grandchildren, and one great-grandchild, as well as numerous other
family members, friends and former constituents who will long cherish
her memory; and

WHEREAS, Throughout her incredible life and through her numerous
good deeds, Aurelia Greene has made a positive impact and touched the
lives of many; she mentored many former students, interns and fellow
elected officials, and served as a role model for others to follow in
her footsteps; and

WHEREAS, A true icon and pioneer in Bronx politics, Aurelia Greene
will forever be remembered as a committed, compassionate, caring,
consistent, dedicated and trusted public servant; she always stayed the
course, fought the good fight and always remained true to the people of
the Bronx; and

WHEREAS, Aurelia Greene's legacy will live on in all of those who
were inspired by her achievements and her commitment to serving our
communities; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of former Assemblymember and Bronx Deputy Borough
President Aurelia Greene, renowned public servant and devoted member of
her community, and to express its deepest condolences to her family; and
be it further

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