Senate Resolution No. 293

BY: Senator PARKER

HONORING Khari Edwards upon the occasion of his
designation for special recognition at the Young,
Gifted, and Black Entrepreneurial Awards 20th
Anniversary Gala on February 26, 2025

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to honor those
enduring individuals and 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 honor
Khari Edwards upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition at the Young, Gifted, and Black Entrepreneurial Awards 20th
Anniversary Gala 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, 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, Khari Edwards is a distinguished leader with more than 25
years of experience in public service, healthcare, and community
advocacy; and

WHEREAS, Born and raised in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, to immigrant
parents from Guyana and Trinidad, Khari Edwards has dedicated his career
to addressing racial, health, and civic disparities within his
community; and

WHEREAS, Currently, Khari Edwards serves as the Head of Corporate
Responsibility at Ayr Wellness, where he leads initiatives to foster
inclusivity and create opportunities within the cannabis industry; in
this role, he has overseen the impactful Changing Legacies program,
which has successfully expunged hundreds of nonviolent criminal records,
offering individuals a second chance and a fresh start; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, his work at Ayr Wellness also advances the
company's mission to be a "Force for Good" by promoting equity, access,
and opportunity for communities impacted by social and racial justice
polices; and

WHEREAS, Khari Edwards previously served as Vice President of
External Affairs at Brookdale Hospital in Brooklyn, where he played a
pivotal role during the COVID-19 crisis; emerging as a fearless advocate

for both patients and healthcare workers, he risked his job to ensure
their voices were heard; and

WHEREAS, Khari Edwards invited CNN to Brookdale, shining a national
spotlight on the hospital's challenges and the resilience of its staff;
additionally, he was instrumental in leading vaccination efforts in
Central Brooklyn, ensuring equitable access to life-saving vaccines in
underserved communities; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his tenure at Brookdale, Khari Edwards
spearheaded initiatives that addressed systemic disparities and
strengthened community trust; he founded the "It Starts Here" program,
connecting over 2,200 students with victims of gun violence to foster
healing and understanding; and

WHEREAS, Khari Edwards' commitment to community extends beyond
healthcare; as the Brooklyn Community Connector for Make-A-Wish Metro
New York, he helps fulfill life-changing wishes for children with
critical illnesses; he is also a sought-after speaker, regularly invited
to participate in panels and forums on health equity and social justice
reform; and

WHEREAS, A proud graduate of New York City public schools, Khari
Edwards earned his degree in Liberal Arts from Thomas Edison State
University; he continues to live in Crown Heights with his wife,
Jahmila, and their three children-Ethan, Niah, and Myles; and

WHEREAS, Today, a candidate for Brooklyn Borough President in 2025,
Khari Edwards is committed to leveraging his extensive experience and
deep community connections to create a more equitable and prosperous
Brooklyn; his campaign focuses on uniting the borough's diverse
communities, improving healthcare access, promoting public safety, and
fostering economic opportunity; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those
individuals and organizations which 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
honor Khari Edwards upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition at the Young, Gifted, and Black Entrepreneurial Awards 20th
Anniversary Gala on Wednesday, February 26, 2025; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Khari Edwards.