LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Al Mathieu upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of the Man of Distinction Award on May 22, 2014

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made signif-
icant contributions to the quality of life therein; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Al Mathieu
upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the Man of
Distinction Award, to be celebrated at the 7th Annual Men of Distinction
and Women of Valor Awards Ceremony on Thursday, May 22, 2014; and
WHEREAS, The Men of Distinction and Women of Valor Awards Ceremony is
held each year to recognize and pay just tribute to outstanding and
accomplished individuals whose leadership roles have had a significant
impact on the daily lives of the people of the State of New York, and
who have gone above and beyond the call of duty; and
WHEREAS, Brownsville native, Al Mathieu, is currently the sole propri-
etor and property owner of Black Success Unisex; II and
WHEREAS, While working as an apprentice at Black Success Barbershop,
Al Mathieu not only studied and practiced the art of Barbering, but he
also had the insight to learn the importance of owning real estate and
its value to a barber, and the importance of establishing a barbershop
culture; and
WHEREAS, Within three years of completing his apprenticeship and
obtaining his Masters License in Barbering, Al Mathieu positioned
himself both professionally and financially to open Black Success Unisex
II as its sole proprietor and property owner; and
WHEREAS, As a barbershop owner himself, Al Mathieu decided to stay
with the theme of "Black Success" and vowed to create a barbershop
culture that celebrated black success, encouraged both barbers and
patrons to be good citizens, to be economically savvy, to be health
conscious, and to be family and community oriented; and
WHEREAS, As a result of his success, Black Success Unisex II patrons
began to ask Al Mathieu to speak at various venues, and share his views
and opinions on best practices for aspiring entrepreneurs on community
policing, best practices regarding intervention and prevention strate-
gies involving gang violence and gang culture, and on black history and
cultural awareness; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Al Mathieu has presented workshops, participated
on panels, and has mentored young people at the East New York Urban
Youth Corps, Man Up Inc., Brownsville Recreation Center, and at the
Brooklyn District Attorney Office's "Back on Track Program"; and
WHEREAS, Active in his community, Al Mathieu marched with and
supported December 12th Movement youth programming, and he currently
sits on the boards of Mr. B's Project, The Black Barber Health Outreach
Program New York University School of Medicine, and Tailored Approach to
Sleep Health Education New York University School of Medicine; and
WHEREAS, As sole proprietor of Black Success Unisex II, Al Mathieu has
allowed his business to conduct on site health screenings, and has
allowed outreach workers of various backgrounds to hold discussions and
dispense information; and
WHEREAS, Al Mathieu has been highlighted in many publications includ-
ing being quoted in THE NEW YORK TIMES, and has been featured in CITY
LIMITS MAGAZINE; and
WHEREAS, To date, Al Mathieu has employed over 20 Barbers, and has
positively impacted the lives of hundreds of teenagers, young adults,
and men; he does his best work while his patron is in the chair, there,

he and his patron listen, learn, and share with each other life lessons,
best practices, and anecdotes; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a
long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned the
recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Al Mathieu upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of
the Man of Distinction Award on May 22, 2014; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Al Mathieu.