LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Barry Sparks, Jr. for over 50 years of
dedicated service to his community

WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of certain
extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their valued
contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly
acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among
us all; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is proud to commend Barry
Sparks, Jr. for over 50 years of dedicated service to his community,
celebrated at a Special Recognition Ceremony on October 30, 2015 in
Albany, New York; and
WHEREAS, In 1950, at the young age of 19, Barry Sparks, Jr. worked as
a presser in Mr. Cannon's Dry Cleaning shop; realizing he embodied an
entrepreneurial spirit, he bought the business in 1952; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the years, Barry Sparks, Jr. endured many hard-
ships, but was always able to think of the bigger picture and found ways
to maximize his investments; and
WHEREAS, Barry Sparks, Jr.'s Dry Cleaners and other stores, were a
true asset to the City of Albany, not only providing service to the
community, but also employment opportunities; and
WHEREAS, In the 1980s, Barry Sparks, Jr. managed eight different dry
cleaners and was one of the few businesses to have equipment on his
premises which could do the work other companies were unable to
complete; and
WHEREAS, Dedicated to the community in which he worked and lived,
Barry Sparks, Jr. was a member of many neighborhood organizations
including The Black New Breeds, the Whitney M. Young Medical Center, the
National Cleaners Association, the Hudson River Missionary Baptist Asso-
ciation, the Albany County Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Capital
District Business and Professional Association, the State Association of
Business/Mentor Program, Urban League, NAACP, and the Masons, as well as
the Shriners; and
WHEREAS, Currently, Barry Sparks, Jr. is retired from the dry cleaning
industry; he enjoys serving as Chairman of the Deacon Board at Bethany
Baptist Church, spending time with his wife of 61 years, Edna, and
visiting with his children; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Barry Sparks, Jr. has displayed
throughout his life; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, 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 Barry Sparks, Jr. for over 50 years of dedicated service to his
community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Barry Sparks, Jr.