The New York State Senate

J1799

Senate Resolution No. 1799

BY: Senator CLEARE

HONORING Frederick Samuel posthumously for special
recognition in observance of Black History Month

WHEREAS, It is with profound intent that this Legislative Body is
moved to pay homage to a man of indomitable faith and dedication whose
purposeful life and accomplishments will forever stand as a paradigm and
inspiration for others; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to give acclaim
to individuals of great character whose lives exemplify the highest
ideals of humanity; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Frederick Samuel posthumously for special recognition in observance of
Black History Month; and

WHEREAS, Black History Month is a time to reflect on the struggles
and victories of African Americans throughout our country's history and
to recognize their numerous valuable contributions to the protection of
our democratic society in times of war and in peace; and

WHEREAS, Frederick E. Samuel was a three-term City Councilman from
Harlem's Fifth District where he tirelessly fought for his constituents
with intellect and realism, never giving in to panic; and

WHEREAS, As chairman of the City Council's Public Safety Committee
since 1978, Frederick Samuel undertook hearings and investigations which
resulted in changes in the detention procedures for juvenile offenders
and in the creation of a community education program and an early
warning system in city neighborhoods plagued by arson; and

WHEREAS, Frederick Samuel was also the originator of the Harlem
Days, an annual observance in which volunteer lawyers, doctors and
dentists provided free legal services and examinations for residents;
and

WHEREAS, Born on the Caribbean island of Montserrat, Frederick
Samuel came to the United States with his family in 1934; he graduated
from McGill University in Montreal in 1949, and earned his law degree
from Fordham University in 1954; and

WHEREAS, Frederick Samuel practiced law several years and served as
President of the Harlem Lawyers Association from 1967 to 1968, before
beginning his illustrious political career as a district leader; and

WHEREAS, In 1972, Frederick Samuel became chairman of the board of
directors of the area's antipoverty program, and became a member of the
New York City Council; and

WHEREAS, Frederick Samuel, short, soft-spoken and with a distinctive
and lively bounce to his step, had lived since 1968 in a stately town

house on Harlem's Strivers Row, 139th Street between Seventh Avenue and
Frederick Douglass Boulevard; and

WHEREAS, Frederick Samuel died at the age of 61 on September 12,
1985, during which time Mayor Koch ordered the flags at City Hall flown
at half-staff in recognition of this extraordinary man's steadfast and
unwavering commitment to his community; and

WHEREAS, Our society is greatly benefited by the purposeful efforts
of individuals who unite for the cause of improving the quality of life
for others, and who proactively work toward the goal of dignity for all;
and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, it is appropriate to publicly proclaim and commend those
individuals for the edification and emulation of others; now, therefore,
be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Frederick Samuel posthumously for special recognition in
observance of Black History Month; and be it further

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