Senate Resolution No. 405

BY: Senator PARKER

HONORING Weldon Ryan upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of an Entrepreneurial Award
by the Young, Gifted & Black Entrepreneurial Awards
Program

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to take note of
and publicly acknowledge individuals who have distinguished themselves
through their exemplary careers, accomplishments, and purposeful lives
of service to their community and their profession; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Weldon Ryan upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of an
Entrepreneurial Award by the Young, Gifted & Black Entrepreneurial
Awards Program to be celebrated at the 18th Anniversary of the Young,
Gifted & Black Awards Program on Wednesday, February 22, 2023, at
Terrace On The Park in Queens, New York; and

WHEREAS, Established in 2006 by President/CEO of the NetLinkz Group,
Inc., Carl O. Gray, the Young, Gifted & Black (YGB) Entrepreneurial
Awards Program recognizes individuals who continue to reach levels of
great success through hard work and determination, proving to be
inspiring role models to their community and peers; and

WHEREAS, Remaining true to its mission, the Young, Gifted & Black
Entrepreneurial Awards Program acknowledges the talent, ambition, and
achievements of African American and Caribbean professionals towards
their continued pursuit of success; and

WHEREAS, The Young, Gifted & Black Entrepreneurial Awards Program
was launched in honor of Black History Month and shines a light on such
accomplished individuals as Weldon Ryan, who truly exemplifies an
entrepreneurial spirit; and

WHEREAS, Weldon Ryan was born in the Republic of Trinidad and
Tobago, and he and his family immigrated to the United States, and
settled in the Bronx; he was a talented artist and attended the High
School of Art and Design in Manhattan, State University of New York at
New Paltz, Fashion Institute of Technology SUNY, and The Art Students
League of New York; and

WHEREAS, Weldon Ryan worked as an Urban Park Ranger for the New York
City Parks Department doing educational talks and workshops about
historical sites and events, and created murals for the Pelham Bay
Environmental Nature Center; in 1989, he was the first African American
to be appointed to the New York City Police Department's
Forensic/Composite Artist Unit; and

WHEREAS, After 18 years of service, Weldon Ryan retired and moved to
Florida, where he continues to paint, sharing his gift with the world,
and is actively involved with numerous community and art organizations;
and

WHEREAS, With him throughout has been his wife Richlin Burnett-Ryan,
who feels privileged to be a part of his life and rejoices in his
achievements; and

WHEREAS, This award recipient exemplifies the best of his community,
by virtue of his energy, vision, and dedication, commanding the greatest
respect among his friends and colleagues, and within the community at
large; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to commend
individuals of outstanding character, who have shown initiative and
commitment toward constantly pursuing higher goals for themselves, and
acting as role models of leadership to be emulated by both peers and
young people; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Weldon Ryan upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of
an Entrepreneurial Award by the Young, Gifted & Black Entrepreneurial
Awards Program; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Weldon Ryan.