LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending The Black Institute for its outstand-
ing three years of shaping intellectual discourse from a unique black
perspective, and paying tribute to Founder and President Bertha Lewis

WHEREAS, Organizations and individuals which serve the interests of the
people of this Empire State merit the commendation of this Legislative
Body; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that
the quality and character of life in the communities across New York
State are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those
organizations and individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare
of the community and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend The Black
Institute for its outstanding three years of shaping intellectual
discourse from a unique black perspective, and paying tribute to Founder
and President Bertha Lewis; this auspicious occasion will be celebrated
at the organization's 2014 Annual Celebration and Award Reception on
Thursday, May 15, 2014; and
WHEREAS, The Black Institute is a non-profit organization committed to
addressing the systematic issues faced by people of color, both within
the United States and throughout the African Diaspora; and
WHEREAS, Since 2010, The Black Institute has been focused on four main
areas, each of which has a powerful impact on Black communities: immi-
gration reform, education, environmental justice, and economic fairness;
and
WHEREAS, A lifelong community organizer and advocate for equality,
Bertha Lewis has accumulated tremendous knowledge of the struggles,
concerns and hopes of America's minority population; she has used her
experience to give voice to the black community and fight injustice; and
WHEREAS, This esteemed woman has been the recipient of numerous acco-
lades in recognition of her outstanding work; she was awarded the Citi-
zen Activist Award from the Gleitsman Foundation in 2004, and the New
York State Black and Puerto Rican legislators, Inc. Leon Bogues Award in
2005; most recently, she received the MLK Community Service Award by the
Caribbean Images TV; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals and associations of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought
to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the
citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend The Black Institute for its outstanding three years of shaping
intellectual discourse from a unique black perspective, and paying trib-
ute to Founder and President Bertha Lewis; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Black Institute.