Senate Resolution No. 1740

BY: Senator BRISPORT

MOURNING the death of Viola Plummer, distinguished
citizen, and devoted member of her community

WHEREAS, There are certain outstanding members of our community who,
through their commitment and dedication, have served to better the
quality of life in our community and have had a measurable positive
impact on the lives of New Yorkers; Viola Plummer was one such
individual; and

WHEREAS, It is with profound sorrow and deep regret that this
Legislative Body records the passing of Viola Plummer, noting the
significance of her purposeful life and accomplishments; and

WHEREAS, Viola Plummer died on Dr. Martin Luther King Day, Monday,
January 15, 2024, in New York City, at the age of 86; and

WHEREAS, Viola Plummer had been a freedom fighter since 1954; and

WHEREAS, At the age of 17, Viola Plummer joined the National
Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP); and

WHEREAS, Along with Sonny Abubadika Carson, Coltrane Chimurenga,
Elombe Brath, and Father Lucas, Viola Plummer founded the December 12th
Movement in 1987, as a Brooklyn-based civil rights organization that
addresses issues of racism, gentrification, reparations, criminal
justice, and education in New York communities; and

WHEREAS, Viola Plummer served as the chairperson of the December
12th Movement from 2002 until her death in 2024; and

WHEREAS, In 1995, Viola Plummer founded Sistas' Place, a live jazz
music venue in Bedford Stuyvesant which serves as a meeting place for
the December 12th Movement and other organizations advancing issues of
racial and social justice; and

WHEREAS, Viola Plummer participated in several thousand protests,
rallies, and victories over the course of her life, advocating on behalf
of U.S. political prisoners, and campaigning against unchecked police
brutality, among many other issues; and

WHEREAS, Viola Plummer was a fierce advocate for liberation
struggles around the world; and

WHEREAS, Viola Plummer served as Chief-of-Staff for both
Assembly/City Councilmembers Inez and Charles Barron; and

WHEREAS, In the decades and years leading up to 2023, Viola Plummer
was a movement leader and advocate for reparations in New York, who
worked tirelessly with the December 12th Movement, N'COBRA, Institute of
the Black World 21st Century, and NAACP to ultimately pass legislation
to create a New York State Community Commission on Reparations Remedies;
and

WHEREAS, Viola Plummer was a forthright, unyielding, undeterred,
bold, outspoken, unequivocal warrior-leader who stood flat-footed and
did not retreat; and

WHEREAS, Viola Plummer symbolized resistance, revolution,
commitment, love, power, and the need for struggle to change our
conditions; and

WHEREAS, Viola Plummer leaves behind a legacy that will long endure
the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all who
were privileged to have known and loved her; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Viola Plummer, 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 Viola Plummer.