Senate Resolution No. 2451

BY: Senator GOLDEN

COMMENDING Commissioner Myrtle G. Whitmore upon
the occasion of her designation for special
recognition by the Society of Old Brooklynites on
June 25, 2017

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 justly proud to
commend Commissioner Myrtle G. Whitmore upon the occasion of her
designation for special recognition by the Society of Old Brooklynites
to be feted at its 137th Anniversary Celebration at Bay Ridge Manor in
Brooklyn, New York; and

WHEREAS, One of four children born in South Carolina to Walley and
Janie Browne Greene, Myrtle G. Whitmore and her husband, Quentin
Whitmore felt compelled to relocate to the Crown Heights section of
Brooklyn to make a difference in their community, New York State, and
Nation; and

WHEREAS, Myrtle G. Whitmore is the long-time director of both the
Society of Old Brooklynites, and New York City's WMCAs; she was a vital
member of the board of the New York City Housing Authority, and held the
position of President of the Brooklyn Civic Council; and

WHEREAS, A hard working, proud woman, Myrtle G. Whitmore is a
retired manager for the New York City Housing Authority, and managed the
Carver Houses in East Harlem for 10 years; and

WHEREAS, Myrtle G. Whitmore was also the host of a religious
television show, and served as a substitute for Bob Grant, one of the
founders of talk radio; and

WHEREAS, A history buff, Myrtle G. Whitmore has served as an
advocate for the Revolutionary War patriots, a reason for her membership
in the Society of Old Brooklynites, founded by a former Brooklyn mayor,
John Ward Hunter; and

WHEREAS, Incorporated in 1880, the Society of Old Brooklynites is
known for helping build the Prison Ship Martyrs Monument in Fort Greene
Park which stands over a vault containing the remains of thousands of
prisoners who died during the Revolutionary War; and

WHEREAS, The Society is also known for its annual August tributes at
the Monument, and for its monthly small presentations on various facets
of Brooklyn's history, culture, and folklore; an active participant in
the tributes, Myrtle G. Whitmore held the title of President of the
Society, one of three women to hold the distinguished position; and

WHEREAS, Myrtle G. Whitmore is an ardent believer in the value of a
good education; she truly believes it is more important for educators to
focus on excellence; and

WHEREAS, A proud American, Myrtle G. Whitmore prominently displays
Old Glory from her building; a flag collector, she also hangs the DONT
TREAD ON ME, named after American general and politician Christopher
Gadsden, and a flag given to her by the daughters of Margaret Skinner,
the first woman president of the Society of Old Brooklynites; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a
long and sustained commitment to excellence 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
commend Commissioner Myrtle G. Whitmore upon the occasion of her
designation for special recognition by the Society of Old Brooklynites
on June 25, 2017; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Commissioner Myrtle G. Whitmore.