Senate Resolution No. 1425

BY: Senator MONTGOMERY

HONORING Alivia Latham upon the occasion of her
designation as recipient of the Harambee Achievement
Award by the National Council of Negro Women, Inc.
on April 8, 2017

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
pay tribute to those young people within the great Empire State who have
made strong contributions to their communities and who serve as role
models for their peers; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, it is the intent of this Legislative Body to
honor Alivia Latham upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of
the Harambee Achievement Award by the National Council of Negro Women,
Inc., to be feted at its 32nd Annual Harambee Celebration on Saturday,
April 8, 2017, at the Medgar Evers College Cafeteria, in Brooklyn, New
York; and

WHEREAS, The National Council of Negro Women, Inc. (NCNW) is a body
of national African American women's organizations and community based
sections; founded in 1935 by Mary McLeod Bethune, the NCNW strives to
lead, develop, and advocate for women of African descent as they support
their families and communities through research, and national and
community-based services and programs on health, education, and economic
empowerment issues in both the United States and Africa; and

WHEREAS, Through 39 national affiliates and more than 240 sections,
NCNW has reached and supported nearly four million women; and

WHEREAS, The Brooklyn Section of the National Council of Negro
Women, Inc. was organized on January 22, 1962, at the Bedford YMCA by
Odessa L. Skeene, and received its Charter on March 12, 1962; and

WHEREAS, The Brooklyn Section maintains a strong commitment to its
young people through education, outreach programs, counseling and
recognition; it sponsors community ventures to enhance the health and
social services of residents through seminars, health fairs and voter
registration campaigns for self-empowerment; and

WHEREAS, Alivia Latham is receiving this prestigious award for her
exemplary academic accomplishments, community service and church
activities; and

WHEREAS, Alivia Latham was the first baby born at Maimonides Medical
Center on January 1, 2003; her parents knew from that moment that she
was going to be special and change the world; and

WHEREAS, A truly spiritual young lady, Alivia Latham is a vital
member of the Greater Eternal Light Church, where she faithfully attends
services with her family on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays; she
actively participates in youth meetings, praise dances, and is always
willing to assist the financial committee; and

WHEREAS, Under the guidance of Overseer, Violet Moe, Alivia has
received foundational teaching which has given her guidance on her
relationship with God, her African American heritage and her community;
and

WHEREAS, Alivia Latham is an exceptional student at Shell Bank Jr.
High School, and will be graduating in June of 2017; after graduation,
she is leaning towards a career in the hospitality industry and possibly
sales; and

WHEREAS, In addition to excelling in academics, Alivia Latham has
been playing basketball since the young age of nine; while playing on
several teams, she was instrumental in helping the Saint Mark Basketball
Team make the playoffs for two consecutive years; and

WHEREAS, Today, Alivia Latham serves as the center for her school
team the Lady Seahawks; through her coaches, Rochelle Murphy and Mr.
McKinney's invaluable tutelage, and her hard work, she hopes to play
professional basketball for the WNBA; and

WHEREAS, When she is not at school, church, or playing basketball,
Alivia Latham enjoys spending time with her family, and exploring
foreign countries like Italy; and

WHEREAS, With her throughout have been her parents, Debra Crowe and
Berisford Latham; her uncle, Keith Crowe; and her aunt, Tracy Crowe; all
of whom feel privileged to be a part of her life and rejoice in her
accomplishments; and

WHEREAS, Poised eagerly with enthusiasm and determined purpose, this
scholar now stands honorably, with just pride in her accomplishments and
in eager anticipation of future challenges, understanding and
appreciating the caring counsel and support provided by her teachers,
minister, and family; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Alivia Latham upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of
the Harambee Achievement Award by the National Council of Negro Women,
Inc.; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Alivia Latham.