Senate Resolution No. 269

BY: Senator PARKER

LEGISLATIVE RESOLULTION recognizing and celebrating
the 20th Anniversary of the Young, Gifted, & Black
Entrepreneurial Awards Inc., and paying tribute to
this year's honorees for their remarkable
achievements and contributions to their industries
and communities

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to honor 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
recognize and celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Young, Gifted, &
Black Entrepreneurial Awards Inc., and to pay tribute to this year's
distinguished honorees, on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at Terrace on
the Park, Queens, New York; and

WHEREAS, The Young, Gifted, & Black (YGB) Entrepreneurial Awards
were established in 2006 by Carl Gray as a platform to spotlight and
celebrate everyday individuals who serve as positive role models,
inspiring their peers through their accomplishments, perseverance, and
contributions; and

WHEREAS, The YGB Entrepreneurial Awards originated as a marketing
initiative to support the Blue Mahoe Restaurant in New York City,
growing into an enduring program that has honored over 300
entrepreneurial recipients while fostering inspiration and motivation
for countless others; and

WHEREAS, The YGB Entrepreneurial Awards have expanded their mission
to include tributes during Black History Month to luminaries such as
Robert Nesta Marley, Coretta Scott King, Historically Black Colleges and
Universities, and everyday individuals whose entrepreneurial efforts
make a significant impact on their communities; and

WHEREAS, Carl Gray's vision for the YGB Entrepreneurial Awards has
remained steadfast in ensuring recognition is given to those whose
contributions, though not always highlighted in mainstream media, have a
profound and lasting influence within their fields and society; and

WHEREAS, The year 2025 marks the 20th Anniversary Celebration of
this extraordinary program, which continues to honor excellence and
innovation across diverse industries; and

WHEREAS, The YGB Entrepreneurial Awards 2025 Gala will celebrate the
following distinguished honorees whose achievements exemplify the ideals
of dedication, leadership, and service: Nathaniel Boothe El (Cozmo El),
Keynote Speaker and National Grand Sheik of the United Moorish Science
Temple of America, recognized for leadership in Millennium Business; Dr.
Bob Lee, Lifetime Achievement Award in Radio Broadcasting and Community
Affairs, Hall of Fame Inductee, WBLS 107.5 FM; Boddhi Satva, Cultural

Ambassador and Afro DJ/Producer, honored for Music Entertainment &
Production Management; Karen Mitchell, Founder of True Hair Company,
awarded for Strategic Brand Management in Cosmetology; Khari Edwards,
Head of Corporate and Social Responsibility at AYR Wellness, recognized
for Community Empowerment; Regina Wilson, FDNY Firefighter and Vulcan
Society President, awarded the P.O.W.E.R-N-M.O.T.I.O.N. Mission Award;
Amber Lee Forrester, Founder of Quartz Wellness Collective, honored for
Strategic Vision in Holistic Health and Wellness; Bill Sellanga, "Blinky
Bill," African musician, recognized for the Nina Simone Artistic
Excellence Award in Afro Beats Entertainment; Bryant Postell, Co-owner
of Prime 39 Steakhouse, honored as Businessman of the Year in
Hospitality Services; Judith Roberts, Founder of J.S. Delights, awarded
for Strategic Vision in Small Development; Kenneth Reece, Founder of
BloXx Financial, recognized for Strategic Innovation in Business
Development and Technology; Michael Robinson, Saint Lucian musician,
awarded for Nina Simone Artistic Excellence in R&B Fusion and Caribbean
Soul Music; Dr. Michelle R. Ewart, MD, honored for Medical Excellence
in Anatomic Pathology at Montefiore Medical Center; Nicola Madden-Greig,
Group Director of The Courtleigh Hospitality Group, recognized as
Businesswoman of the Year in Sales & Marketing; Nikki Kimbrough, CEO of
Get Fit with Nik, Inc., honored for Strategic Vision in Health and
Instructional Fitness; Randolph (Ron) Robinson, UPS Store owner,
recognized for Strategic Leadership and Business Development; Tammeca
Rochester, founder of holistic wellness initiatives, honored for
Strategic Innovation in Holistic Health and Wellness; Tanya Barros, MA,
LHMC, Founder of Barros Counseling Center, awarded for Business
Development in Mental Health and Emotional Wellness; and Thelma L.
Greaves-Hawkins, Funeral Director, recognized for Civic Leadership and
Community Service; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those
organizations that give positive definition to the profile and
disposition of the communities of the State of New York, do so
profoundly strengthen our shared commitment to the exercise of freedom;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
recognize and celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Young, Gifted, &
Black Entrepreneurial Awards Inc., and to pay tribute to this year's
distinguished honorees; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Carl Gray, President and CEO of The NetLinkz Group, Inc.,
and the aforementioned honorees.