Senate Resolution No. 1305

BY: Senator PARKER

COMMENDING Elejmal Temple No. 185 upon the
occasion of hosting its Potentate Ball, honoring
Illustrious Potentate Noble Lathan David Franks on
July 21-23, 2023

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that
the quality and character of life in the communities across New York
State are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those
organizations and individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare
of the community and its citizenry; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend Elejmal Temple No. 185 upon the occasion of hosting its
Potentate Ball, honoring Illustrious Potentate Noble Lathan David Franks
to be celebrated on July 21-23, 2023 at the Royal Regency Hotel in
Yonkers, New York; and

WHEREAS, Lathan D. Franks was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York,
where he attended New York City Public schools, and graduated from East
New York Vocational and Technical High School; and

WHEREAS, A talented athlete, Lathan D. Franks received a track
scholarship to Eastern Michigan University, where he also became an
active member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc.; he served the community
as a volunteer in the Perry Elementary school children's breakfast
program, coached basketball at the City of Ypsilanti Parks and
Recreation Department, and worked as a Youth Counselor at the Peace
Neighborhood Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan; and

WHEREAS, Lathan D. Franks graduated from Eastern Michigan University
with a Bachelor of Science in Recreation Therapy and Minor Sociology; he
would later go on to receive his Master of Social Work Degree from The
Hunter College School of Social Work in New York City; and

WHEREAS, His career of over 20 years reflecting his compassion and
dedication to serving others, Lathan D. Franks worked tirelessly to aid
those overcoming addiction and incarceration while living with mental
illness; and

WHEREAS, His commitment to service is reflected in the diversity of
the people he's worked with, Lathan D. Franks devotes his time to
working with children, youth, seniors, veterans, individuals who were
homeless or dropped out of school, and those who suffered from alcohol
and drug addiction while involved in juvenile or criminal justice
systems; and

WHEREAS, Raised to a Master Mason in 1992, Lathan D. Franks
initiated, passed and raised a Prince Hall Mason at the Grand Lodge
Occasional held by the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge State of
New York on March 28, 2015, joining Jephthah Lodge No. 89 in April 2015;
and

WHEREAS, Lathan D. Franks was elected and installed to the seat of
Worshipful Master and served as Worshipful Master from December 2017 to
December 2019; his commitment and leadership and philosophies are guided
by two principles; servant leadership and striving forward with
excellence; and

WHEREAS, Since entering the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge,
Lathan D. Franks has been a fervent, diligent, and loyal Master Mason;
he continues to serve the Masonic order as he is a member of Rising Son
Chapter No. 4 Holy Royal Arch Masons, Alpha Council No. 1 Royal and
Select Masters, St. John Commandry No. 4 Knights Templar, Mount Olive
No. 3 Lodge of Perfection, Mount Olive No. 3 Rose Croix Chapter, and
King David Consistory No. 3; and

WHEREAS, In 2017, Lathan D. Franks was Created a Noble of Elejmal
Temple No. 185 Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles Mystic Shrine of
North and South America and it's Jurisdictions Inc.; and

WHEREAS, With steadfast and unremitting commitment to Elejmal Temple
No. 185 and his community, Illustrious Potentate Noble Lathan David
Franks was elected and installed as Illustrious Potentate in December
2022 and continues to serve in that capacity; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
organizations and 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
commend Elejmal Temple No. 185 upon the occasion of hosting its
Potentate Ball, honoring Illustrious Potentate Noble Lathan David Franks
on July 21-23, 2023; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Elejmal Temple No. 185 and Illustrious Potentate Noble
Lathan David Franks.