Senate Resolution No. 278

BY: Senator MAYER

COMMEMORATING the 100th Anniversary of the New
Rochelle NAACP on January 29, 2023

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
pay tribute to those enduring organizations which devote their
purposeful energies to improving the quality and dignity of life of
those they serve, to preserving their heritage, and to fostering pride
among them; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the New Rochelle NAACP to be
celebrated at its Platinum Jubilee on Sunday, January 29, 2023, at the
Bethesda Baptist Church of New Rochelle; and

WHEREAS, During this momentous occasion, Keynote Speaker and Senior
Pastor of the Bethesda Baptist Church, Reverend Dr. Allen Paul Weaver,
Jr. will speak about this year's theme, "Resilience Anchored by Faith";
and

WHEREAS, The oldest and largest civil rights organization, the
National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) was
founded in 1909, in New York City by a group of citizens committed to
ensuring a society in which all individuals have equal rights without
discrimination based on race; and

WHEREAS, The New Rochelle Branch of the NAACP was organized in 1923,
in the Bethesda Baptist Church, largely through the efforts of Annie
Lucille Alleyne and Walter White just 14 years after the National
Association was founded; Annie proudly served as the newly founded
organization's temporary chairperson; and

WHEREAS, As it was in the beginning and today, the New Rochelle
NAACP and its members focus their efforts on specific community needs,
education, political leadership, membership, technology, and housing;
and

WHEREAS, Through its due diligence, several members of the New
Rochelle NAACP represented by attorney Paul Zuber, successfully
challenged the Lincoln School boundaries; this landmark desegregation
case has truly paved a path for all children to receive a proper and
well-rounded education in a safe and healthy environment; and

WHEREAS, Today under the luminous leadership of President, Minister
Mark McLean; 1st Vice President, Aisha Cook; 2nd Vice President, Judith
Henry; 3rd Vice President, Dr. Jonathan Williams M.D.; Secretary, Denise
Ford; Assistant Secretary, Carol Bracey; Treasurer, Gayla Marsh; and its
executive committee, the New Rochelle NAACP continues to work with the
State and National Office of the NAACP to support its mission to realize
justice for all people with a focus on the historically disenfranchised
and underrepresented; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, the organization continues to fight against
injustices in the local community, targeting its programming on economic
development and empowerment, engagement with local youth, educational
policy, civic engagement and participation, while maintaining a large
membership with the national office; 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 celebrated and recognized 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
commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the New Rochelle NAACP, recognizing
its steadfast and unwavering commitment to Westchester County, and to
the advancement of the mission of the National Association for the
Advancement of Colored People; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Minister Mark McLean, President, New Rochelle NAACP.