Senate Resolution No. 1946

BY: Senator MONTGOMERY

HONORING The Reverend Shirlene Faith Holman upon
the occasion of her designation as recipient of the
Ecumenical Award by The Brooklyn Club of the
National Association of Negro Business and
Professional Women's Clubs, Inc. on April 29, 2017

WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of
certain extraordinary individuals and organizations 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, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor The Reverend
Shirlene Faith Holman upon the occasion of her designation as recipient
of the Ecumenical Award by The Brooklyn Club of the National Association
of Negro Business and Professional Women's Clubs, Inc., to be celebrated
at its 50th Annual Founders' Day Observance Luncheon on Saturday, April
29, 2017, at Gargiulos Restaurant in Brooklyn, New York; and

WHEREAS, The theme for this auspicious occasion is entitled "72
Years of L.E.T.S. - Leaders Exemplary Timeless Service; Marching forward
with a purpose"; each year, The Brooklyn Club acknowledges its Founders;
"the shoulders on which we stand and the role and responsibility we have
to prepare our young people for the future"; and

WHEREAS, The Brooklyn Club is a chapter of the National Association
of Negro Business and Professional Women's Clubs, Inc. (NANBPWC, Inc.),
which provides opportunities for women to increase their leadership
skills, experience governance and parliamentary procedures, and enhance
their educational awareness of issues impacting the black community
through volunteerism; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Shirlene Faith Holman is receiving this
prestigious award for her steadfast and unremitting commitment to the
religious community in Brooklyn; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Shirlene Faith Holman was born to the late Thomas
H. and Lorraine LeGall Sr.; as a young child, she realized that she
wanted to bring hope and healing to all people; and

WHEREAS, After high school, Reverend Shirlene Faith Holman attended
New York City Community College where she pursued an associate's degree
in applied science with an emphasis on nursing; after graduation, she
was employed as a Registered Nurse at various New York City hospitals;
and

WHEREAS, A truly inspiring religious leader, Reverend Shirlene Faith
Holman has served as prayer partner, encourager, teacher, women's group
director, liturgical dancer and ardent worshipper; from subway stations
in New York City to vacation bible schools at her own Bethany Baptist
Church and abroad at the Bahamas Children's Emergency Hostel, in Nassau,
Bahamas, her vision and ministry grew; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Shirlene Faith Holman also conducted Bible studies
at a women's transitional housing facility in Brooklyn, where she taught
victims of abuse and low self-esteem how to bring love, joy and peace
into their lives; and

WHEREAS, In 1998, Reverend Shirlene Faith Holman was called to
preach the gospel; in 2000, she earned a Certificate in Christian
Ministry from New York Theological Seminary, and then obtained a
bachelor's degree in Psychology from the College of New Rochelle; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Shirlene Faith Holman furthered her education by
receiving her master's degree in Divinity; currently, she is working
toward board certification as a Chaplain while she serves as Protestant
Chaplain's Assistant at SUNY Downstate; and

WHEREAS, After satisfying the standards of an Ordination Council,
Shirlene Faith Holman was conferred upon the title of Reverend; she has
the distinction of being the first woman minister ordained at Bethany
Baptist Church; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and
sustained commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their
profession, 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 The Reverend Shirlene Faith Holman upon the occasion of her
designation as recipient of the Ecumenical Award by The Brooklyn Club of
the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women's
Clubs, Inc.; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Reverend Shirlene Faith Holman.