LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of Dr. Felix Armfield, distin-
guished citizen and devoted member of his community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Felix Armfield of Buffalo, New York, died on April 30,
2014, at the age of 51; and
WHEREAS, This exemplary man distinguished himself in his profession
and by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the
welfare of his community; and
WHEREAS, A Professor of History and Social Education at SUNY Buffalo
State since 2000, Dr. Felix Armfield was best known for both his
devotion to his students and his advocacy for Buffalo's African-American
community; and
WHEREAS, Prior to becoming an empowering asset to the SUNY Buffalo
State community, Dr. Felix Armfield was an Assistant Professor at West-
ern Illinois University; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Felix Armfield attended North Carolina Central University
where he received both his Bachelor's and Master's degree in History; he
continued his education at Michigan State University, earning his
doctorate degree; and
WHEREAS, His commitment to excellence in education and service to the
community is well documented with his many prestigious awards, such as
the Hero Award from the Disability Services Office, the Students' Award
for the Promotion of Respect for Diversity and Individual Differences,
and the William Wells Brown Award from the Afro-American Historical
Association of the Niagara Frontier; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Dr. Felix Armfield was the Associate Director of
the Monroe Fordham Regional History Center, a Representative of the
African and American-American Interdisciplinary Studies Unit, and a
member of the Graduate Faculty; and
WHEREAS, With a passion for history burning bright in all of his
endeavors, Dr. Felix Armfield was a trailblazer and outstanding advocate
for the African-American community and its storied history in the City
of Buffalo; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Felix Armfield was the author of BLACK LIFE IN WEST
CENTRAL ILLINOIS and EUGENE KINCKLE JONES: THE NATIONAL URBAN LEAGUE AND
BLACK SOCIAL WORK, 1910-1940; his outstanding research in history was
both well-known and instrumental in the publication of "Fire on the
Prairies: The 1895 Spring Valley Race Riot" in the JOURNAL OF ILLINOIS
HISTORY; and
WHEREAS, A devoted community member, Dr. Felix Armfield was extremely
proud of his work as an organizer of the African-American Ancestral
Heritage Tours at Forest Lawn in Buffalo, New York; he is survived by
his sister, Kimberly; and
WHEREAS, It is rare to find an individual brimming with such passion
while possessing the grit and determination to truly impact the communi-
ty in a positive way; Dr. Felix Armfield's spirit of excellence is fond-
ly remembered by his students, colleagues and administrators; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Felix Armfield's commitment to excellence, and his spirit
of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including char-
itable and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit, imbued with a sense of
compassion, and comforted by a loving family, Dr. Felix Armfield leaves
behind a legacy which will long endure the passage of time and will

remain as a comforting memory to all he served and befriended; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Dr. Felix Armfield, distinguished citizen and devoted
member of his community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Dr. Felix Armfield.