Senate Resolution No. 1509

BY: Senator GRIFFO

COMMENDING Evon Ervin upon the occasion of her
induction into the 2023 Oneida County History
Center's Richard W. Couper Living Legends Hall of
Fame

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that the quality
and character of life in this great Empire State is indelibly enriched
by the faithful and untiring efforts of those individuals who have
helped shape the history of their area; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend Evon Ervin upon the occasion of her induction into the 2023
Oneida County History Center's Richard W. Couper Living Legends Hall of
Fame, to be honored at the annual Historical Hall of Fame and Living
Legends Awards Celebration at the Irish Cultural Center in Utica, New
York on Thursday, October 19, 2023; and

WHEREAS, Founded in 1946, the Historical Hall of Fame honors
individuals from Oneida County who have made an impact on the community
and the world; its goal is to ensure that noteworthy people in the
Oneida community and their achievements are recorded in local history;
and

WHEREAS, Born and raised in Utica, New York, Evon Ervin continuously
advocates for change and unity through her service and leadership in the
community; she graduated from Utica College of Syracuse University and
earned a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology, specializing in child
life and development; and

WHEREAS, Having served people living in poverty in the Oneida and
Herkimer Counties, Evon Ervin recently retired as Deputy Director for
Mohawk Valley Community Action Agency Inc.; she is a licensed
Evangelist, President of St. Matthew's Temple Missionary Board, and
Certified Community Action Professional; and

WHEREAS, Elected as Oneida County's first female African-American
legislator in 2020, Evon Ervin continues to represent Oneida County
Legislator District No. 20 and serves on the Health & Human Service,
Economic Development, and Public Safety committees; and

WHEREAS, Devoted to helping others, Evon Ervin has shared her time
and expertise with countless community organizations, such as
Communities That Care, NeighborWorks HomeOwnership Center, Utica Safe
Schools, Utica City School District Board of Education, Utica School
District Policy Committee, and BOCES School Board Institute Executive
Committee; Evon Ervin is currently involved with The ARC, Oneida-Lewis
Chapter, Oneida County NAACP, Black Leadership Coalition, MVCAA Board
Member, Utica Public Library, and MVCC Alumni Committee; and

WHEREAS, With her throughout has been her beloved spouse for over 43
years, Venice Ervin, who has been privileged to be a part of her life
and rejoices in her many achievements; and


WHEREAS, With a tireless and unwavering commitment to Central New
York and beyond, Evon Ervin devoted her entire life to making
communities a better place for its citizens to live, work, and play; and

WHEREAS, This extraordinary woman has an immensely beautiful life
built on compassion, kindness, and respect for others; she is one of the
most significant and enduring civic and political leaders in the county
of Oneida, and her insight and strength will forever serve the countless
people she has touched; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Evon Ervin upon the occasion of her induction into the 2023
Oneida County History Center's Richard W. Couper Living Legends Hall of
Fame; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Evon Ervin.