Senate Resolution No. 2656

BY: Senator PARKER

COMMENDING Check On Your Black Friends Inc. upon
the occasion of hosting its Fourth Annual Juneteenth
Celebration on June 19, 2024

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
pay tribute to organizations of true purpose and worthy accomplishment
which are dedicated to serving their community and to celebrating and
preserving their rich ethnic heritage; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend Check On Your Black Friends Inc. upon the occasion of hosting
its Fourth Annual Juneteenth Celebration from June 11-19, 2024; and

WHEREAS, This auspicious occasion will be observed with an event
held on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, at the Roy Wilkins Park in St. Albans,
New York; it will feature over 60 Black-owned businesses on grounds
ranging from beauty, fashion, wellness, health and art; and

WHEREAS, In addition, the celebration consists of a weeklong
education series whose panelists range from esteemed Black elected
officials, civic leaders, professors, creative thinkers, journalists,
musicians, and performers; and

WHEREAS, The series aims to empower younger generations while also
bringing wisdom and healing and has attracted 3,000 attendees in the
past; and

WHEREAS, This year's series will feature distinctive voices and
elevated dialogues centered around Black futurism, environmental
justice, housing equity, and sharing more personal accounts of the
African diaspora's experience in America; and

WHEREAS, The celebration of Juneteenth allowed freed slaves and
their descendants to recount the memories of that great day in 1865,
when freedom was proclaimed, and also served as a release from the
pressures of settling into new territories; and

WHEREAS, Today, Juneteenth is a time for reflection, education, and
self-improvement, and celebrates African American freedom and
achievements while encouraging continuous self-development and respect
for all cultures; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be recognized and celebrated by all the citizens
of the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Check On Your Black Friends Inc. upon the occasion of hosting
its Fourth Annual Juneteenth Celebration from June 11-19, 2024; and be
it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Check On Your Black Friends Inc.